Story perspectives

Revolutionary Artificial Lung Saves Patient Before Transplant

1/30/2026

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Summary

Surgeons Enable Recovery

Northwestern Medicine surgeons used a custom-designed total artificial lung system to support a critically ill patient for 48 hours after removing irreparably damaged lungs.
The artificial lung system oxygenated blood and maintained stable flow, enabling rapid improvement after removal.
Following stabilization, the patient received a double-lung transplant and returned to daily life with normal lung function.
The case demonstrates the potential of advanced medical technology in critical care.

Summary

Northwestern Medicine Innovates

Northwestern Medicine is advancing lung transplant options by combining transplantation expertise with extracorporeal support.
Dr. Bharat emphasized awareness of available treatments for severe lung damage from respiratory infections.
The institution aims to standardize devices and protocols to improve patient outcomes.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been the top-ranked pulmonology and lung surgery program in Illinois for 14 years and ranks seventh nationally.

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Surgeons Enable Recovery

Northwestern Medicine surgeons used a custom-designed total artificial lung system to support a critically ill patient for 48 hours after removing irreparably damaged lungs.
The artificial lung system oxygenated blood and maintained stable flow, enabling rapid improvement after removal.
Following stabilization, the patient received a double-lung transplant and returned to daily life with normal lung function.
The case demonstrates the potential of advanced medical technology in critical care.

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