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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
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Procedure for Lung Engineering
Published on: March 8, 2011
The development of an implantable artificial lung
F L Fazzalari1, J P Montoya, M R Bonnell
1Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, USA.
ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
|July 1, 1994
Summary
This study developed a novel implantable gas exchange device that fully supported large animals' respiratory needs for 8 hours. This potentially life-saving technology offers a promising alternative for respiratory support.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Respiratory Support
Background:
- Development of artificial lungs for respiratory support is crucial.
- Existing devices often require external pumps, limiting portability and implantability.
- A pumpless, implantable gas exchange device could revolutionize respiratory failure treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel hollow-fiber gas exchange device for its ability to fully support a large animal's gas exchange.
- To assess the device's performance when integrated in series with the main pulmonary artery (PA).
- To determine if the device can maintain adequate gas exchange without external pumping.
Main Methods:
- An implantable gas exchange device with hollow fibers was developed.
- The device was surgically placed in series with the main PA in six adult sheep.
- Right ventricular blood flow was diverted through the device, and mechanical ventilation was ceased.
Main Results:
- The pumpless device successfully supported total gas exchange in sheep for up to 8 hours.
- No significant changes in cardiac index (CI) or oxygen consumption (VO2) were observed.
- The device demonstrated low resistance to blood flow while providing adequate gas exchange.
Conclusions:
- The developed implantable gas exchange device can completely support the respiratory requirements of large animals.
- This technology shows potential as a future therapeutic option for respiratory failure.
- Further research is warranted to assess long-term efficacy and safety.
