Summary:

«Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a soft, robotic and implantable ventilator that augments the diaphragm’s natural contractions.»

«For many people, the act of breathing comes naturally. However, the diaphragm’s function can be compromised in people with ALS, muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases, as well as patients with paralysis and damage to the phrenic nerve, which stimulates the diaphragm to contract.»

«The proof-of-concept design has two soft, balloon-like tubes that are implanted to lie over the diaphragm. The tubes act as artificial muscles to push down the diaphragm to help the lungs expand after being inflated with an external pump, which can be inflated at a frequency to match the diaphragm’s natural rhythm.»

Article written by Danielle Kirsh / Photo by: Robina Weermeijer

13|12|2022

Source:

Medical design and outsourcing

https://www.medicaldesignandoutsourcing.com/mit-researchers-develop-soft-robotic-ventilator-implant/