Artificial Lung

A new device may offer hope to patients in desperate need of a lung transplant. Robert Bartlett, MD, a University of Michigan, USA, professor emeritus of surgery, and his team have developed the BioLung, an artificial lung that works with the heart's own pumping action to manage oxygen and blood flow throughout the body. Because of the device uses the heart rather than mechanics to pump blood, the patient can stay active at home instead of being sedated and hooked up to a machine in the hospital. The device can even remain in place following a transplant, until the donor lungs are fully operational.