Introduction
Iron lung, also known as a negative pressure ventilator, is a type of medical device that helps individuals with respiratory paralysis breathe. It is a large metal tank that encloses the patient’s body up to the neck and creates a vacuum to expand and contract the chest, forcing air into and out of the lungs.
History
The iron lung was invented by Philip Drinker and Louis Agassiz Shaw in 1927 during a polio epidemic. It quickly became a life-saving device for polio patients who were unable to breathe on their own due to paralysis of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
Functionality
The iron lung works by creating negative pressure around the chest, which causes the chest to expand and the lungs to fill with air. When the pressure is released, the chest contracts, and the air is expelled from the lungs. This process mimics natural breathing and allows the patient to get the necessary oxygen.
Benefits
- Provides continuous ventilation
- Helps maintain respiratory function
- Reduces the risk of respiratory complications
Case Studies
One of the most famous iron lung users was Martha Mason, who spent over 60 years in an iron lung due to polio. She wrote her autobiography, “Breath: Life in the Rhythm of an Iron Lung,” using a mouth stick to type on a keyboard outside the iron lung.
Statistics
At the peak of the polio epidemics in the 1950s, there were over 1,200 iron lung machines in the United States alone, with thousands of patients relying on them for survival.
Conclusion
Although the iron lung is no longer commonly used due to advancements in medical technology such as mechanical ventilators, it played a crucial role in saving countless lives during the polio epidemics of the past. Its legacy continues to inspire innovation in respiratory care and serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
