Man Survives 48 Hours Without Lungs Using Artificial System

Does removing infected lungs and bridging to transplant save lives or is this still an unproven experimental approach?
Man Survives 48 Hours Without Lungs Using Artificial System
Image credit: Northwestern Medicine viaX

The Spin

Narrative A

The external artificial lung system is a major technical achievement that transforms hopeless cases into viable treatment pathways. This device maintains normal cardiac function without lungs — something previously considered virtually impossible — and allows critically ill patients to stabilize before transplant. The patient's spectacular recovery and excellent quality of life more than two years later prove this approach works.

Narrative B

Surviving without lungs for two days highlights both ingenuity and the limits of modern medicine. Though an artificial lung system kept him alive, this technique is complex, risky and currently available only at elite centers. Its rarity and resource intensity raise ethical questions about widespread use, cost and patient selection before it becomes a standard option.

Metaculus Prediction



© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.20.3

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.20.3