Summary
A man survived for two days without lungs thanks to an artificial system developed by surgeons. This new approach gave him time to recover until he could receive a double lung transplant. The method shows promise for treating severe lung failures in the future.
Key Facts
- A man with severe lung failure survived two days without lungs using an artificial system.
- The patient had double lung failure due to an infection triggered by the flu and worsened by pneumonia.
- Surgeons at Northwestern University used the artificial system to oxygenate blood and stabilize the patient until a transplant was possible.
- A double lung transplant was needed, as his organs were failing due to the severity of the condition.
- The patient eventually received a transplant and is now living a normal life with good lung function.
- Traditional lung transplants are usually for chronic conditions, but this case shows it's possible for acute cases too.
- The approach may become more common in specialized centers and could be adapted for broader use.
- Biological analysis showed the patient's original lungs could not recover, confirming the need for transplantation.
