Innovations in technology--Novalung iLA: challenges for the field of critical care nursing

The Novalung interventional lung assist (iLA) device is a new pumpless extracorporeal gas exchange device that imitates the native lung because it allows for protective mechanical ventilation by the reduction of tidal volumes and decreased end expiratory pressures. It is a rescue device for patients with refractory lung failure, as well as a bridge to lung transplantation. While used in Europe for some years, the Novalung iLA has been recently approved by both Health Canada and our facility, as a bridge to lung transplantation. In this article, the author discusses the introduction of this new advancement in extracorporeal gas exchange into an adult critical care setting. First, the author presents an overview of this new technology and how it differs from the traditional model of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and then shares the process in which the anticipated challenges of this device introduction were addressed in one institution. Particular attention is paid to the education of the nursing staff. A plan was developed to deliver information, education and training guidelines to prepare for patients requiring a bridge to lung transplantation with this device within the medical surgical intensive care unit in our hospital. Subsequently, these initiatives have expanded to include a workshop and a simulation experience.