Connecting 2 people one with lungs and other without/damaged

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In summary, the conversation discussed the possibility of performing an arteriovenous shunt procedure between a mother and child, where the mother's arterial blood would go into the child's venous blood and vice versa. However, there are potential surgical risks involved and the use of ECMO is currently the preferred method for preemies with lung/heart deficiencies in the US. The concept of anastomosis was also mentioned as a potential way to create the shunt.
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asimations
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I wonder what would happen if arterio venous shunt procedure is done between say a mother and child. Child has abnormal lungs that might improve overtime. Mothers arterial blood will go into child's venous blood and child's arterial blood back to mother. Of course having same blood groups.
 
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ECMO - https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007234.htm is the gold standard in the US now for preemies with lung/heart deficiencies. Consider that the shunt procedure has surgical risk for both Mom and Baby. Physicians are VERY risk averse on things like that. Unless it has had all the bejeebers tested out of it. So it might be something done where no ECMO is available. Maybe. I'm not a physician, so I do not know for sure.

AFAIK - Plus, arteriovenous shunt is a circulatory defect - an anastomosis of a person's artery with the adjacent vein. So I'm not sure how you got your terminology. Sometimes an anastomosis is created surgically like when a pancreas transplant is performed. The "outlet" of the pancreas is surgically connected below where the old sick pancreas is already connected. But I think I understood what you meant. If not, please correct me.
 

FAQ: Connecting 2 people one with lungs and other without/damaged

Can a person without lungs survive if connected to a person with functioning lungs?

It is not possible for a person without lungs to survive by being connected to a person with functioning lungs. The lungs are vital organs responsible for oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide. Without functioning lungs, the body cannot receive the necessary oxygen to sustain life.

Is it possible for a person with damaged lungs to receive oxygen from a person with healthy lungs?

Yes, it is possible for a person with damaged lungs to receive oxygen from a person with healthy lungs through a process called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In this procedure, the blood is removed from the body and oxygenated by a machine before being returned to the body.

Can a person with damaged lungs be permanently connected to a person with healthy lungs?

No, it is not possible for a person with damaged lungs to be permanently connected to a person with healthy lungs. This type of connection, known as a lung transplant, is a complex and risky surgery that is only done in cases where the damaged lungs cannot be repaired or treated through other methods.

Is connecting two people one with lungs and the other without/damaged a viable treatment option?

Connecting two people, one with lungs and the other without/damaged, is not a viable treatment option for lung-related conditions. The risks and complications involved in this type of procedure outweigh any potential benefits. Other treatments, such as medications, oxygen therapy, and surgery, are available for lung conditions.

Is it possible for a person with damaged lungs to receive a lung from a living donor?

Yes, it is possible for a person with damaged lungs to receive a lung from a living donor through a lung transplant. However, this is a complex and risky surgery that requires a thorough evaluation and compatibility testing between the donor and recipient. It is typically only done in cases where the patient's life is at risk due to their lung condition.

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