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Ex Vivo Perfusion of the Rodent Placenta
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Artificial placenta: Recent advances and potential clinical applications.
Catarina Metelo-Coimbra1, Roberto Roncon-Albuquerque1,2
1Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Pediatric Pulmonology
|February 27, 2016
Summary
The artificial placenta offers a promising alternative to mechanical ventilation for extremely premature infants suffering from respiratory failure. This technology aims to reduce lung injury and improve circulatory function in vulnerable newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Lung immaturity is a primary cause of death and illness in extremely premature infants.
- Mechanical ventilation, while standard, can cause lung injury and harm circulation.
- Extracorporeal lung support has been explored for decades as an alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept and clinical potential of the artificial placenta for premature infants.
- To update on advancements in extracorporeal lung support technology.
- To identify milestones and challenges for clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies from 1958 to 2015.
- Focus on artificial placenta concept and experimental models.
- Analysis of technological advancements like miniaturized pumps and oxygenators.
Main Results:
- Development of miniaturized components for extracorporeal gas exchange.
- Successful use in experimental artificial placenta models.
- The artificial placenta shows potential as an alternative to mechanical ventilation.
Conclusions:
- The artificial placenta is a promising alternative for respiratory support in extremely premature infants.
- Further research is needed to overcome limitations before widespread clinical use.
- Advances in technology support the feasibility of this approach.
