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Artificial lungs: are we there yet?
1Heart and Lung Transplantation, Heart Failure Surgery and MCS Richard DeVos Heart&Lung Transplant Program Spectrum Health Hospitals, 330 Barclay Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
Thoracic Surgery Clinics
|November 29, 2014
Summary
New oxygenator technologies have expanded extracorporeal life support (ECLS) use, but lung replacement technology still lags behind. Challenges remain for developing a true artificial lung suitable for long-term patient use outside intensive care units.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Respiratory Medicine
- Critical Care
Background:
- Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) applications have expanded due to advancements in oxygenator technology.
- Current ECLS use remains primarily confined to intensive care units.
- Lung replacement technology development is less advanced compared to ventricular assist devices for heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the challenges in developing a true artificial lung for long-term extracorporeal life support.
- To compare the progress of lung replacement technology with cardiac assist devices.
- To highlight the limitations hindering patient discharge on ECLS devices.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advancements in oxygenator technologies for ECLS.
- Analysis of current limitations in long-term lung replacement therapies.
- Discussion of challenges impeding the development of a portable artificial lung.
Main Results:
- Oxygenator innovations have broadened ECLS applications.
- Significant challenges persist in achieving long-term lung replacement therapy.
- Current technology does not permit patient discharge on ECLS devices.
Conclusions:
- Despite technological progress, a true artificial lung for long-term use and patient discharge is not yet available.
- Further research and development are crucial to overcome existing hurdles in artificial lung technology.
- Bridging the gap between intensive care unit ECLS and ambulatory artificial lungs requires addressing key engineering and clinical challenges.
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