How did the 33-year-old patient survive without lungs?

The patient survived for 48 hours without lungs by utilizing an artificial lung system that oxygenated his blood after his damaged lungs were removed.

What was unique about Dr. Ankit Bharat's artificial lung design?

Dr. Bharat's design was unique because it maintained a balanced and continuous flow of blood to the heart, reducing the risk of blood clots.

What medical condition led to the patient needing a double lung transplant?

The patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) triggered by the flu, along with bacterial pneumonia, which caused his lungs, heart, and kidneys to fail.

Home / Health / Man Survives 48 Hours Without Lungs

Man Survives 48 Hours Without Lungs

30 Jan

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Summary

A 33-year-old survived 48 hours without lungs using an artificial lung system.
Dr. Ankit Bharat led a surgery to remove damaged lungs and oxygenate blood.
The artificial lung maintained continuous blood flow, reducing clot risks.

A pioneering medical procedure allowed a 33-year-old patient to survive for two days without lungs. The patient, critically ill with a severe lung infection, underwent an operation where his damaged lungs were removed. An artificial lung system was then employed to oxygenate his blood, a critical step in his recovery.

Dr. Ankit Bharat, a thoracic surgeon at Northwestern University, led the surgical team. Their unique artificial lung design maintained a balanced and continuous blood flow to the heart. This innovative approach helped avoid potential heart attacks by minimizing the risk of blood clots, which are a common concern in such critical cases.

The patient had developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) triggered by the flu, compounded by bacterial pneumonia. His lungs, heart, and kidneys began to fail, leaving a double lung transplant as his only hope. After the infected lungs were removed and his condition stabilized, donor lungs became available, and the transplant was successfully performed.