A Method for Temporary Complete Substitution of Gas Exchange Function of the Lung

Total substitution of lung gas exchange function can be achieved by oxygenating all blood in a heart-lung machine and requires thoracotomy. In accordance with calculations based on physical principles, if extracorporeal oxygenation is combined with barometric pressure raised to 3 atm, half of the cardiac output will suffice to maintain normal blood oxygenation. Excessive amounts of oxygen dissolved in blood passed through an oxygenator will suffice for the total oxygenation of the rest of the blood. This assumption was investigated in 15 experiments on dogs and one human patient in a hyperbaric chamber. The bubble oxygenator and pneumatic membrane pumps were used. The results suggest that this method of total substitution of lung gas exchange function is feasible. This technique does not require thoracotomy and can be carried out on a patient in any position on the operating table. This method can be used during bronchoscopy treatment, lung lavage, and trachea surgery.