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Artificial Lungs Offer More Hope

Newer types of artificial lungs could give patients with illnesses such as lung disease a chance to live longer. An article in the LA Times reports on prototypes being developed around the country that are using better materials, surface coatings, and help manage blood clotting. Some devices can be used for weeks or months, while others are designed to partially replace lung function.

One professor at the University of Michigan received a $5 million grant to develop an artificial lung that would take over lung function and use the heart to serve as the pump. Although these devices will need extensive research and clinical trials (if they even make it to that point), the technologies show significant promise for patients who can't take breathing for granted.

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