Development of a Novel, Low-Resistance Pediatric Artificial Lung for Long-Term Support

Background: For children with severe lung disease that cannot wean from ECMO, an implantable artificial lung would permit extubation and support gradual lung recovery from acute disease or provide a bridge to transplantation. We evaluate the function of the novel Pediatric MLung—an efficient, implantable, pumpless artificial lung developed specifically for children—in healthy animal subjects. Methods: Adolescent “mini sheep” weighing 12-20 …