Iron lung
Iron lung
Iron lung (pronunciation: /ˈaɪərn lʌŋ/), also known as Drinker respirator or Drinker tank, is a type of mechanical ventilator that was widely used in the mid-20th century for long-term artificial respiration.
Etymology
The term "iron lung" is derived from the machine's iron-like metallic structure and its function related to the lungs. The device was named after its inventor, Philip Drinker, an industrial hygienist, and hence also known as the Drinker respirator or Drinker tank.
Function
The iron lung is a negative pressure ventilator, meaning it works by creating a vacuum to draw air into the lungs, then releasing the vacuum to allow the air to flow out. This mimics the natural breathing process, and was used primarily for patients suffering from poliomyelitis, a disease that can cause paralysis of the muscles used for breathing.
Related Terms
- Mechanical ventilator: A machine designed to provide mechanical ventilation by moving breathable air into and out of the lungs.
- Polio: An infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, which can lead to muscle weakness and paralysis.
- Respiratory therapy: The assessment and treatment of patients with both acute and chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system.
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia: A type of lung infection that occurs in people who are on mechanical ventilation breathing machines in hospitals.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Iron lung
- Wikipedia's article - Iron lung
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