Artificial Lung: Advancing Respiratory Support and Saving Lives
Respiratory failure remains one of the most critical challenges in modern medicine. For patients with severe lung diseases or acute respiratory distress, traditional ventilation may not be enough. This is where the artificial lung emerges as a life-saving innovation, offering advanced respiratory support when natural lung function is compromised.
What Is an Artificial Lung?
An artificial lung is a medical device designed to replicate the gas-exchange function of human lungs. It oxygenates blood and removes carbon dioxide externally, allowing the patient’s lungs to rest or recover. Unlike conventional ventilators that rely on lung mechanics, artificial lungs work by directly interacting with the bloodstream.
Artificial lung systems are most commonly used in extracorporeal life support (ECLS) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapies.