In Missouri, the parents of Owen Stark are thankful their boy is even alive after his lungs collapsed while out shopping. He was not expected to live long enough for a new lung to arrive.
The little boy is suffering from a condition not normally associated with pediatric patients: high blood pressure in the lungs. Doctors had been trying to figure out what was wrong with Owen for some time. His collapse came after yet another appointment. Justin Stark, father of the boy, says he had been suffering a low fever and poor appetite for some time (Fox).
The only solution – an artificial lung – has not yet formally been approved by the FDA, though in Canada and Europe they are used successfully to treat patients until he or she receives that much needed transplant. Fox News reports that the device used on Owen came from Germany and has been so successful, this two year old is no longer waiting for a new lung.
Problems have occurred, including a stroke, but he will go home before Autumn fully sets in if all continues well. His disease is a progressive one so the Stark family will continue to watch him, as will the doctors so amazed by his recovery.
Artificial Lung seen as modern solution
Individuals with cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema have suffered lung collapse and died waiting for a replacement in the past. In the meantime, researchers have been developing an alternative form of treatment; a bridge between death and the new organ (WebMD). Slightly larger than a soda can, BioLung can be implanted into the chest and regulate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This latest invention does away with fears caused by machines which pumped the blood around. Blood clots were a risk which doctors and patients took; not always bad in the lungs, which can filter clots, but problematic to the heart.
BioLung exchanges no blood, just pumps oxygen. Main concerns include pressure on the heart while the lungs benefit from oxygen which promotes healing to damaged tissue (WebMD). Trials have not reached clinical stages yet; at least, not until Owen Stark. His case was considered special: the alternative does not bear thinking of. More trials will be needed, but experts believe they are close to a product the FDA can feel good about.
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