What Researchers Did
Researchers investigated a method for temporary complete lung gas exchange substitution using extracorporeal oxygenation combined with hyperbaric pressure in 15 experiments on dogs and one human patient.
What They Found
In 15 experiments on dogs and one human patient, the researchers found that combining extracorporeal oxygenation with a barometric pressure of 3 atm allowed half of the cardiac output to maintain normal blood oxygenation. This method proved feasible for total lung gas exchange substitution without requiring thoracotomy.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This experimental method could potentially offer a way to temporarily support lung function for Canadian patients undergoing complex procedures like bronchoscopy, lung lavage, or trachea surgery without invasive chest opening. It might also allow for greater flexibility in patient positioning during such critical interventions.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was not conducted in Canada nor involved Canadian researchers or participants.
Study Limitations
The study's primary limitation is its very small sample size, particularly the inclusion of only one human patient, and its experimental nature from 1982.