Lifesaving Breath | Harvard Medical School
The newest addition to the Warren Anatomical Museum is a working iron lung.
hms.harvard.eduHere’s the latest overview on iron lungs based on recent reputable sources:
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Current status and usage: The iron lung is largely obsolete in ordinary clinical practice, with modern ventilators and non-invasive methods taking precedence. There are only a handful of remaining users in the United States, and many institutions no longer keep iron lungs in active service. The device historically provided negative-pressure ventilation by enclosing the body and mechanically expanding/contracting chest volume, but it limits movement and modern pumps are preferred for ease of care.[2][3][8]
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Notable recent developments and news: In response to COVID-19 in 2020, there was renewed interest in simple, locally producible ventilation options in some contexts, which spurred prototypes and discussions about alternatives to conventional positive-pressure ventilators. However, those efforts did not displace the standard of care, and iron lungs remained largely a historical and museum piece rather than a primary medical device. Reports in the 2020s highlighted a few high-profile cases of remaining iron lung users and discussions about replacement parts and maintenance, but these are exceptional rather than representative of widespread use.[1][2]
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Human stories and documentation: Media coverage over the years has featured individuals who relied on iron lungs for extended periods, underscoring both the life-saving role the device played in its era and the practical challenges of longevity, maintenance, and comfort. A notable example includes Martha Lillard, one of the last known U.S. users, whose case has been cited in reporting about long-term dependency and sustainability of such devices. Museums and medical history collections continue to document the iron lung’s development, its mechanism, and its impact on polio care.[3][6][2]
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Historical and technical context: The iron lung originated in the 1920s–1930s as a pivotal technology for polio patients with respiratory muscle paralysis. It encloses most of the patient’s body and uses negative pressure to cause inhalation and exhalation. The advent of polio vaccines and modern ventilators reduced its routine use, though it remains a symbol of early respiratory support and a topic in medical history discussions.[8][9]
If you’d like, I can pull more precise updates (e.g., current known users, museum holdings, and any new prototypes announced this year) and provide a brief, sourced timeline. I can also summarize a few personal stories or give you a quick explainer video or museum exhibit references.