Premature babies born as early as 22 or 23 weeks face significant challenges due to underdeveloped lungs and fragile skin, making survival and long-term health difficult. Researchers at the Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF), based at Perth's King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, are developing an artificial placenta to help these vulnerable infants.

Led by WIRF chief scientist Professor Matt Kemp, the technology aims to provide nutrients and oxygen to premature babies similarly to how a natural placenta functions in the uterus. This could allow babies born at the edge of viability to grow and mature for an additional three to four weeks in an environment that is "not dissimilar" to the womb.

Professor Kemp described the device as "two small, clear perspex blocks about the size of a Rubik's Cube connected to a bunch of catheters and hosing." The goal is to offer a bridge to better survival outcomes and improve the chances of a long and healthy life for these very small and often sick infants.

He also noted that many extremely premature births occur due to complications in pregnancy, adding to the challenges of treatment. The artificial placenta could help address these difficulties by supporting babies until they are better prepared to breathe and eat independently.

Notable Quotes

  • "More often than not, they're born early because there's something wrong with the pregnancy as well."
  • "So not only are they immature, they're also sick quite often, and it's a real challenge to treat these babies."
  • "This artificial placenta technology that we're conceptualising and building is a way of trying to give these babies another three or four weeks perhaps to grow and develop in an environment that's not dissimilar [to the uterus]."
  • "It's not the same, but it's not dissimilar to where they've come from, and it will allow them to bridge across into living outside of the uterus, breathing room air."
  • "It's two small, clear perspex blocks about the size of a Rubik's Cube connected to a bunch of catheters and hosing."

Sources

ABC Australia News via ABC Radio Perth, interview with Jo Trilling