A good news came from Philadelphia, precisely from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. A scientist named Dr. Alan Flake with the team at the hospital managed to develop an artificial uterus similar to a transparent plastic bag. The bag of artificial uterus was tested on premature birth fetuses to find out how far the success of an artificial uterine pouch.
Why is this important? CNN reports that this discovery may be the most important breakthrough for reducing mortality and health risks in relatively high preterm infants. One more progress for mankind. Let's see the full story at Hipwee News & Feature!
This invention certainly not arbitrary, actually made of what the hell?
An artificial uterine bag that looks more like a transparent plastic bag is made of a safe material for the fetus. The transparent pouch material itself is made of polyethylene specifically developed for this study. Low grade polyethylene materials are commonly used for baby milk bottles and the like. In addition, in the womb's bag is also added a liquid similar to amniotic fluid containing water called amnion. This fluid serves to provide all the nutrients and protections needed in the growth of the fetus. There is also a gas exchange bag like a placenta.
The way it works is similar to the original uterus
How it works was made more or less follow the original workings of the womb. Circulatory systems are maintained, hygienic fluids and the use of natural heart belonging to the fetus itself to pump blood, not using external pumping equipment. Even to give a natural impression, the fetus is placed in a dark place and sounded his mother's heartbeat.
Experiments on the fetus of sheep also reap results that do not disappoint
This artificial uterus has been tested on premature preterm baby fetuses. The 105 to 111 day age of sheep is selected because the fetal development is similar to that of a human fetus born prematurely at 23 weeks of age. The result was according to dr Alan Flake quite satisfactory. The artificial uterus is able to optimize the growth of the fetus like a normal born fetus. Health vital organs such as brain and lungs of the sheep's fetus is normal.
Although newly tested in premature lamb babies, this magical plastic bag will be expected to reduce the risk of death & health of premature human infants
Scientists at Philadelphia Children's Hospital also want the development of this artificial uterus can be increased so that it can be tested to humans. But that effort still seems to have constraints related to licensing about the code of ethics testing in humans. In addition to this, how this tool should still be adjusted and upgraded to the maximum extent possible to bridge the difference between sheep and human fetuses.
Currently, 1 in 10 pregnancies in this world end prematurely. In premature infants born less than 23 weeks, the chance of survival is almost 0%. While for 23 weeks premature babies 15%, at 24 weeks increased to 55%, and finally 80% if the age of the fetus 25 weeks. With just a few extra days in the womb, life's chances increased dramatically. Therefore, this research is very important for mankind. Yes hopefully tomorrow this technology will actually be able to save more mankind.