'Life-saving' portable blood pump developed by Turkish researcher

^{A portable blood pumping machine has been developed by a Turkish researcher to help save the lives of people suffering from advanced cardiac or pulmonary insufficiency, according to Anadolu Agency.}

Professor Erdem Silistreli from Izmir Dokuz Eylul University designed the device to help remove large blood clots from the body and return oxygenated blood to patients.

Unlike other devices which are bulky and not mobile, the new device is only 20 centimetres long and can be used by healthcare professionals anywhere. The device can also be used as a life-support unit in hospitals.

The portability of the device means that who need immediate response may not have to wait for treatment, reducing the risks to their health.

In Turkey, it’s estimated that around 3,000 people with advanced cardiac or pulmonary insufficiency need a life-support unit yearly. However, since machines are expensive, many needs are left unmet.

Speaking about the device, professor Silistreli, said: It is the first time that such a practical and portable device has been designed in Turkey.

“It is a life-saving machine as it enables immediate response to people, who get drowned in a river or have a heart attack in a street or while taking patients [who are in critical conditions] to hospitals by ambulance or helicopters.”

A project using the device has been launched at Dokuz Eylul University alongside medical device firm Alvimedica.

Ismail Tuna, general manager of Alvimedica medical company, said: “It is a value-added device, which will ease access to health not only in Turkey but also in the world. Through this device, we will contribute to expanding life spans.”