Scientists from Sevastopol State University (SevSU) have introduced a device that enables liquid breathing. Early tests of liquid ventilation in the lungs were successful, according to the press service of Sociocenter, the operator of the Priority 2030 program.
The technology works by delivering a specially prepared fluid saturated with dissolved oxygen into the lungs and then removing it, allowing oxygenated blood to circulate without relying solely on air. This approach opens new possibilities in critical care and underwater operations, and it is being explored as a means to support patients under extreme conditions.
Liquid respiration could prove useful for divers needing accelerated decompression and for emergency scenarios where rapid cooling is beneficial. It may also support treatment for lung disorders and provide a novel option for pediatric resuscitation in certain cases. Developers note that the recycling aspect of the system could extend the time available for patient care and help lower treatment costs, which could be especially valuable in crowded clinical settings or remote locations.
In a described procedure, a patient is anesthetized and an endotracheal tube places into the airway. Through this channel, the respiratory fluid is delivered in precise amounts. A portion of the fluid is continuously recirculated to remove carbon dioxide and replenish oxygen, enabling a controlled exchange that keeps the patient in a stable state while the lungs are nourished by the liquid medium. Statements from Stanislav Roshchupkin, a project lead associated with the Northern State University strategic initiative, highlight this as a landmark development in the field of liquid breathing.
Animal studies using dachshunds reportedly demonstrated that the technology meets the necessary specifications and safety criteria established for the project. The outcomes support ongoing work and provide a foundation for refining the system before broader testing.
Looking ahead, researchers plan to develop a more compact and mobile prototype of the liquid-breathing device. The goal is to advance to clinical trials by 2026, incorporating lessons from initial experiments and improving portability for diverse medical and field environments. The project emphasizes practical design choices and a focus on real-world applicability to ensure the device can be used in hospitals, emergency response teams, and underwater operations where conventional ventilation has limitations.
Earlier efforts in Russia explored natural glass analogues for targeted drug delivery, reflecting a broader trend toward innovative methods for transporting therapeutic agents within the body. As these technologies mature, collaboration across institutions and continuous safety evaluations will be essential to translate promising research into widely available medical tools.