Artificial Lungs
 

The ability to replace vital organs either temporarily or even permanently with artificial ones is nowadays more than just a dream. One of these, developed around five years ago, consists of a bunch of thin, hollow polymer fibres. The patient's blood is diverted out of the body to flow around these fibres, which absorb the oxygen and unload carbon dioxide. Yet the devices are inefficient and need a lot of blood. Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have now shown that if the fibres are coated with an enzyme, the device can be much more efficient, reducing clotting and inflammation. Artificial lungs, around the size of a CD case, are already used in emergencies.  
 
Medical technology company Novalung, which was founded in 2002 and is based in Hechingen Germany, provides pioneering work. The "Biolung"  is the world's first artificial lung capable of completely replacing the gas exchange function of the human lung.

  
Although not a permanent solution the artificial lung is the first of its kind to be naturally supplied with blood from the human heart. Since the beginning of 2003, the ILA device (Interventional Lung Assist) has been utilised to provide intermittent lung support to more than 300 patients with acute lung failure following severe inflammation or injuries. It is not necessary to open up the patient's chest and not even a general anaesthetic is needed. "The ILA device is connected to the blood flow by two tubes without requiring an operation. It removes carbon dioxide and increases oxygen levels in the blood. This relieves the strain on the lung and gives it time to heal."

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