Iron lung and other respirators



The iron lung was invented in 1929 by Philip Drinker (1893-1977), a professor at the School of Public Health at Harvard University. The device performs the function of the muscles that control breathing. It was one of the first of several inventions designed to keep people alive who are unable to breathe unassisted.

Pulmonators

During the 1920s people who could not breathe on their own were aided by a pulmotor. This was a machine similar to fireplace bellows. It inflated and deflated the lungs by forcing air in and then sucking it back out again. The process worked, but some patients experienced chest pain. Many people suffering from polio or infantile paralysis required such a device. The polio virus can damage the nervous system causing paralysis of the diaphragm. Without the movement of the diaphragm, polio-sufferers often died by suffocation.

Drinker's Research

Drinker got his idea from a Swedish physician named Thunberg, who had been experimenting with a vacuum device to help patients breathe. Drinker enlisted the help of his brother, Cecil, and Louis Shaw (1886-1940) to build a prototype (model) based on Thunberg's principles. He tested the first machine on cats and then designed one large enough for a human patient.

The patient's head was positioned outside the box while the rest of the body was enclosed in the airtight metal box. A pump connected to the box varied the air pressure inside the chamber. When the air pressure inside the box decreased, the weight of the atmosphere outside the box forced air through the nose and mouth into the lungs. When the air pressure in the box increased, the air was forced out of the lungs.

Drinker's invention was first known as the "Drinker tank respirator" but was soon given the nickname of "iron lung." Drinker and Louis Shaw received numerous awards for their invention. The iron lung allowed many polio patients to live longer lives. It was used from 1928 well into the 1950s.

Ventilators

Since Drinker's time, a sophisticated class of breathing machines called ventilators, or respirators, has been developed. A modern ventilator consists of an electrical pump connected to an air supply, a humidifier that adds water to the air, and a tube inserted into the patient's nose or mouth. Ventilators use positive air pressure from the pump to force air into the lungs. The ventilator pumps air into the lungs for a preset time or volume and then stops. The patient then exhales the air naturally.

To adjust the ventilator properly, a blood sample from the patient is analyzed. This determines the metabolic rate and the optimal oxygen-carbon dioxide ratio. Then the volume of air needed and the number of times per minute the person should breathe to maintain the desired metabolic rate

Patients being treated in iron lungs. Today, the iron lung of the 1950s is making a comeback. Because it uses non-invasive technology and negative air pressure, it does not cause infections or scarring of the trachea.
Patients being treated in iron lungs. Today, the iron lung of the 1950s is making a comeback. Because it uses non-invasive technology and negative air pressure, it does not cause infections or scarring of the trachea.
is calculated. When properly connected, positive air pressure brings just the right volume of air into the lungs. Then the lungs passively deflate when the ventilator shops filling the lungs. Today's sophisticated hospital respiratory care units may utilize up to 15 different kinds of respirators.

Ventilators aid patients who have paralyzed muscles, suffer from degenerative muscle disease, or have burns in the nose and throat. When patients are to be hooked up to a ventilator for months at a time a breathing tube is surgically inserted directly into the windpipe. Miniature ventilators are used to help premature babies breathe. They are also used to help patients who have undergone surgery and need temporary help from a machine.

In some places, the iron lung of the 1950s is making a comeback. Because it uses non-invasive technology and negative air pressure (a vacuum), it does not cause infections or scarring of the trachea. It can be used at home to help a patient rest the respiratory muscles during the day or night.

Mini-iron lungs are now used for some patients. Nicknamed "turtles" because of their green color and shell-like shape, these miniature devices can be strapped onto a patient's chest.



User Contributions:

1
eamon lawlor
can i expect any symptons following months on iron lung in 1950s in northern ireland?
2
Lilly Agrawal RN
I have a patient with polio, and been on an Iron lung for more than 40 years.He is deeply concerned that they no longer make Iron Lungs and there isn't much done to preserve the ones already in use, and not many out there know how to trouble shoot or repair it.He is afraid that one day it will fail, and he won't be able to breath. Would like to know options, alternatives or how to reassure him , that he is going to be safe.He is an inspiration to me and many out there.Is there an association, or please advice where we can gather more information about this.
Thanks,
Lilly
3
Terry
Hi I have just been looking for information about any recent developments of the original iron lung and in particular interested in any mobile aids that could perform the same task of forcing air into the lungs the patient is unable to do for themselves. I am wondering as to if any aids are available that can do this by copying the normal function of breathing by using the diaphragm (sounds like Diafram) a thin band of muscle that devides the upper chest that is inflated by the original iron lung, from the abdomin. When the diaphragm is pulled down it creates a space in the lungs forcing them to open, you can try this yourself by simply pushing your tummy out and feel your lungs expand without the upper chest moving much, in such eastern exercise such as yoga this is practiced as a deep breathing exercise for meditation and relaxation.
In theory a device could perform this by using an air tight seal to suck away the air from the belly so the normal air pressure outside the person will be forced into the lungs exactly like the original iron lung has faithfully done.
regards Terry
4
saoirse
MANY familiar with the iron lungs and the cuirass thank the author for the simple statement that this IS NOT invasive, far less risk/minimal for infections etc PLUS the patient can talk, move around,EAT etc.
sure,going into the "tank" is traumatic but compared w/being "tubed" ?
no contest.
in certain situations it definitely should be used and revived for use.
to those enquiring and concerned about inability to find part ? they're still out here and gawdforbid, with the internet,replacement cn either be found or made-
the one looking for mobility--investigate the cuirass
these items are STILL USED and have their own proven track record.
5
Thomas curran
Some years ago, I saw online a photo of an iron lung. The attending nurse in the photo was a Marion Stone. She was a neighbour of mine, many decades ago in the town of Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. I know it's a long shot, but I am wondering if anyone has a copy of that photo.

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