Scientists at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) are developing an 'artificial womb' designed to improve survival rates for extremely premature infants. Known as the extra-uterine environment for newborn development (Extend), the device is not intended to grow a foetus from conception but to provide a safe environment for babies born at 22–23 weeks gestation, who face severe health challenges.
Currently, babies born at 22–23 weeks weigh less than 2lb (900g) and have underdeveloped organs. Short-term complications include necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, and septic shock, while long-term issues can involve cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, vision and hearing problems, and asthma. Even life-saving ventilation can damage fragile lungs, leading to chronic lung disease or retinal blindness.
The artificial placenta aims to bypass the lungs by mimicking the natural womb environment, allowing the foetus to continue developing safely. The technology is inspired by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (Ecmo), which oxygenates blood outside the body. However, Ecmo is unsuitable for extremely premature infants, prompting three research groups to adapt the concept.
Ethical considerations must be addressed before human trials begin. While the technology could save lives, questions remain about the quality of life for survivors and the potential risks of artificial gestation.
