Artificial lung keeps patient alive after removal of both lungs

Breakthrough case reported

Doctors have successfully used an external artificial lung system to keep a critically ill patient alive for 48 hours after removing both lungs, according to a case published this week in the journal Med.

The temporary support allowed doctors enough time to perform a double lung transplant, marking a rare and significant medical achievement.

Patient faced multiple organ failure

In spring 2023, a 33 year old man with acute respiratory distress syndrome was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in the United States.

His condition worsened into necrotizing pneumonia and severe sepsis. Doctors placed him on a ventilator, but his health continued to decline. He later developed kidney failure and suffered cardiac arrest.

Rare and difficult decision

Faced with a life threatening situation, a medical team led by thoracic surgeon Ankit Bharat at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine decided to remove the patient’s infected lungs.

After the surgery, doctors connected the patient to a newly developed artificial lung system. The device took over oxygen exchange outside the body, allowing doctors to stabilize the patient without lungs.

Rapid recovery follows

Within 48 hours, the patient’s condition began to improve. His kidney function fully recovered, and his heart returned to normal activity. Doctors no longer needed medication to maintain his blood pressure.

The patient later received a successful double lung transplant. Doctors reported no signs of organ rejection or impaired lung function following the procedure.

Expert reactions and future limits

Dr. Natasha Rogers, a transplant specialist at Westmead Hospital in Australia, described the technology as impressive. She said the medical team showed courage by applying such an advanced approach.

Dr. Bharat said he hopes the technology will become more widely available for patients waiting for lung transplants. However, Rogers noted that the procedure requires several highly trained teams and advanced facilities.

Because of these demands, only large hospitals can currently deploy the system, which limits its broader use.