Device Keeps Lungs Breathing Outside the Body 74
Al writes "A new system that keeps lungs breathing outside the body could improve the chances of a successful transplant. The Toronto XVIVO Lung Perfusion System, developed at Toronto General Hospital, can keep a pair of human lungs slowly breathing inside a glass dome attached to a ventilator, pump, and filters. The lungs are maintained at normal body temperature of 37 C and perfused with a bloodless solution that contains nutrients, proteins, and oxygen. The organs can be kept alive in the machine for up to 12 hours while surgeons assess function and repair them. See a video of the system keeping a pair of lungs alive."
GOOD LORD!!!! (Score:5, Insightful)
Watch that video!!
NOW.
A question: (Score:3, Insightful)
Why did one of the lungs looked like it was sliced or cracked?
Re:A question: (Score:5, Insightful)
If I recall correctly (health class was a long, long time ago), each lung is separated into 2 or 3 lobes. They're supposed to look like that.
Already been done, and ever more freakier stuff.. (Score:5, Insightful)
and it was all done in the 1950s. Search for Doctor Sergei S. Bryukhonenko.
Experiments in the Revival of Organisms [wikipedia.org]
A link to the movie in google video [google.com]
Re:That's unholy (Score:3, Insightful)
And no, "the rich" can't pay for it out of pocket above the socialized care. See, that would be unfair to those who can't afford it.
Canada, along with Cuba and North Korea, is one of only three places where a citizen can not spend their own money to save their own life. The state literally owns your life.
When my son was sick there, I presented his American passport, and offered money, and he was seen right away. Unfortunately, as a Canadian citizen, I had to return to the U.S. to have the same privilege.