How does iron lung work?
The iron lung is a horizontal cylinder in which a patient is laid with their head protruding out of a hole so that it is exposed to ambient air.
How does iron lung work?
The iron lung is a horizontal cylinder in which a patient is laid with their head protruding out of a hole so that it is exposed to ambient air. The rest of the body is sealed within the tank where negative pressure is cycled causing the chest to expand which stimulates breathing.
It was invented by Philip drinker in 1927 which is why it's often referred to as the drinker tank. Another common name for the iron lung that you may have heard is a tank ventilator.
The iron lung is often associated with the polio epidemic because it was used to treat these patients during the outbreaks of the 1940s and 50s. During this time, rows of the iron lung tanks filled hospitals across the United States.
Suggested video:
A patient with polio often experienced a paralyzed diaphragm which would require that they spent up to two weeks inside of the iron lung for ventilator support while recovering from the disease.
Join the conversation