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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 her | Elizabeth 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 sufferers | Prof 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 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. |