Artificial Lung

1. Artificial Lung By Michelle Ramsey

2. Currently there are over 200 million people suffering from lung disease. • 150,000 people die every day waiting for a lung transplant • Current technology for an artificial lung requires heavy machinery, has a short lifespan, and can only be used on patients at rest.

3. Cleveland Researchers • Portable • Implantable • 6in x 6in x 4in in size

4. How Does It Work? • A template is made • Liquid silicone rubber is layered • Solidified silicone forms: • Artificial capillaries • Artificial alveoli • Blood channels • Gas-diffusible membrane

5. Blood goes through the fluid inlet Air goes through the gas inlet Oxygen diffuses across the silicone membrane into the blood Blood exits through the fluid outlet Carbon dioxide exits though the gas outlet

7. Size is similar to human lungs to shrink distance of the gas diffusion • Their artificial lung does not require purified oxygen gas • Lungs are driven by the heart, not a mechanical device

8. Limitations • Clogging in the narrow passageways • Needs to be made more durable • No clinical trials • Testing with humans could take up to a decade