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Scientists create 'portable lung' Scientists create 'portable lung'
(about 2 hours later)
A portable lung which could help those with breathing problems lead a normal life is being developed by scientists.A portable lung which could help those with breathing problems lead a normal life is being developed by scientists.
Researchers say their device, which oxygenates blood outside the body before it goes through the lungs, could be an alternative to transplants.Researchers say their device, which oxygenates blood outside the body before it goes through the lungs, could be an alternative to transplants.
The Swansea University scientists say it could take many years before the device, the size of a spectacles case, is available.The Swansea University scientists say it could take many years before the device, the size of a spectacles case, is available.
Lung patients, who have seen how it would work, have welcomed the research.Lung patients, who have seen how it would work, have welcomed the research.
According to the British Lung Foundation, there are more than 40 conditions which affect the lungs and airways and impact on a person's ability to breathe.According to the British Lung Foundation, there are more than 40 conditions which affect the lungs and airways and impact on a person's ability to breathe.
Elizabeth Spence hopes that one day the research would help herElizabeth Spence hopes that one day the research would help her
They include lung cancer, tuberculosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, sleep apnoea, avian flu, bronchiolitis and many others.They include lung cancer, tuberculosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, sleep apnoea, avian flu, bronchiolitis and many others.
Its research suggests that one person in every seven in the UK is affected by lung disease - this equates to approximately 8m people.Its research suggests that one person in every seven in the UK is affected by lung disease - this equates to approximately 8m people.
Since 31 March 2008, 287 people were on the waiting list for lung transplants according to figures by the UK Transplant Service.Since 31 March 2008, 287 people were on the waiting list for lung transplants according to figures by the UK Transplant Service.
Now scientists in Swansea are developing a portable artificial lung which could transform the lives of patients.Now scientists in Swansea are developing a portable artificial lung which could transform the lives of patients.
Researchers claim that in the long term the device could offer an alternative to lung transplants, giving hope to those who suffer from conditions such as emphysema and cystic fibrosis.Researchers claim that in the long term the device could offer an alternative to lung transplants, giving hope to those who suffer from conditions such as emphysema and cystic fibrosis.
Prof Rhodri Williams hopes it will transform the lives of sufferersProf Rhodri Williams hopes it will transform the lives of sufferers
The device mimics the function of a lung - by getting oxygen into and carbon dioxide out of the blood stream.The device mimics the function of a lung - by getting oxygen into and carbon dioxide out of the blood stream.
Professor Rhodri Williams, who came up with the idea after his son died of Cystic Fibrosis, is leading the project on behalf of the university.Professor Rhodri Williams, who came up with the idea after his son died of Cystic Fibrosis, is leading the project on behalf of the university.
"It is important that we make something that will help people, who instead of being confined to a wheelchair with an oxygen bottle, can actually walk around and do things for themselves, he said."It is important that we make something that will help people, who instead of being confined to a wheelchair with an oxygen bottle, can actually walk around and do things for themselves, he said.
Although the research has been welcomed by leading charities, caution has also been voiced over the length of time it will take before a portable lung will become available.Although the research has been welcomed by leading charities, caution has also been voiced over the length of time it will take before a portable lung will become available.
"We have to stress that this is several years away from being used, even in a trial stage," said Chris Moholland, head of the British Heart Foundation. "We have to stress that this is several years away from being used, even in a trial stage," said Chris Mulholland, head of the British Lung Foundation.
"While we welcome the advances, we have to be realistic and know that one in five people could do with that help now.""While we welcome the advances, we have to be realistic and know that one in five people could do with that help now."
Patient Elizabeth Spence from Swansea has been refused the double lung transplant she needs but remains hopeful that one day the new device could help her.Patient Elizabeth Spence from Swansea has been refused the double lung transplant she needs but remains hopeful that one day the new device could help her.
"My body will reject the lungs, so this possibly could be an answer - another way of getting new lungs without actually having the transplant," she said."My body will reject the lungs, so this possibly could be an answer - another way of getting new lungs without actually having the transplant," she said.