The History of the Iron Lung and its Impact on Modern Medicine

Introduction

An iron lung is a device that helps people breathe who are unable to do so on their own due to paralysis or severe respiratory illness. The device works by creating a vacuum around the patient and then allowing air to enter and exit the lungs in order to facilitate respiration. Iron lungs have been used for decades in the medical field and have had a major impact on modern medicine.

The purpose of this article is to explore the history of the iron lung and its impact on modern medicine. We will look at when the iron lung was invented, its development over the years, and its role in the advancement of respiratory care.

History of Iron Lungs

The iron lung was first invented in 1928 by Philip Drinker, an American physician and professor of industrial hygiene at Harvard University. He and his colleague Louis Agassiz Shaw developed the device as a way to help patients with polio, who were unable to breathe on their own due to paralysis.

In 1929, the first iron lung was put into use at Boston Children’s Hospital. By the 1940s, iron lungs were being used in hospitals all over the world to treat polio patients. In the 1950s, with the introduction of the polio vaccine, the need for iron lungs began to decline, but they were still used in cases of severe respiratory illness.

Timeline of the Invention of the Iron Lung

1928: Philip Drinker and Louis Agassiz Shaw invent the iron lung at Harvard University.

1929: The first iron lung is put into use at Boston Children’s Hospital.

1940s: Iron lungs become widely used in hospitals around the world to treat polio patients.

1950s: With the introduction of the polio vaccine, the need for iron lungs begins to decline.

Impact of the Iron Lung

The invention of the iron lung had a major impact on the medical field and changed the course of history. It allowed doctors to save the lives of countless polio patients who would have otherwise perished. It also paved the way for further advancements in respiratory care.

Drinker and Shaw’s invention revolutionized the field of respiratory care and set the stage for more advanced treatments. For example, the iron lung led to the development of the ventilator, which is now commonly used in intensive care units and other medical settings.

The iron lung also inspired innovations in other areas of medicine. It helped to spark interest in mechanical ventilation, which has since been used to treat a variety of respiratory conditions, including COPD and asthma.

The innovator behind the invention of the iron lung was Philip Drinker. He was a pioneer in the field of industrial hygiene and was dedicated to improving the safety and health of workers. His invention of the iron lung was groundbreaking and has had a lasting impact on modern medicine.

Conclusion

The invention of the iron lung was a major breakthrough in the medical field and changed the course of history. The device was revolutionary and paved the way for further advancements in respiratory care, such as the development of the ventilator. It also had a major impact on modern medicine and inspired innovations in other areas of medicine.

Philip Drinker was the innovator behind the invention of the iron lung and he was a pioneer in the field of industrial hygiene. His invention has had a lasting impact on modern medicine and revolutionized the field of respiratory care.