Negative pressure ventilator

Negative pressure ventilator (also known as an iron lung) is a type of mechanical ventilator that stimulates breathing by creating a vacuum around the chest, which causes the chest cavity to expand and draw in air. This type of ventilator is primarily used in the treatment of respiratory failure and poliomyelitis.

History[edit | edit source]

The first negative pressure ventilator, or iron lung, was developed in the early 20th century by Philip Drinker and Louis Agassiz Shaw, Jr. at the Harvard School of Public Health. The device was initially used to treat victims of poliomyelitis, a disease that can cause paralysis of the respiratory muscles.

Function[edit | edit source]

Negative pressure ventilators work by creating a vacuum around the chest. This causes the chest cavity to expand, which in turn causes the lungs to fill with air. The vacuum is then released, allowing the chest cavity to contract and expel the air. This cycle simulates the natural process of breathing.

Use[edit | edit source]

Negative pressure ventilators are primarily used in the treatment of respiratory failure, particularly in cases where the patient's respiratory muscles are unable to function properly. This can occur as a result of diseases such as poliomyelitis, muscular dystrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Advantages and Disadvantages[edit | edit source]

One of the main advantages of negative pressure ventilators is that they allow for more natural breathing, as they work by simulating the natural process of breathing. However, they also have several disadvantages. They can be uncomfortable for the patient, and they require a significant amount of space. In addition, they are not suitable for patients with certain types of chest injuries.