Covid-19 attacks both the lungs and the kidneys and many patients suffer with both simultaneously. Haemair's novel integrated life support system treats both lung disease and kidney disease in one compact unit. Currently, for those suffering lung disease, the most effective treatment is Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS). ECLS takes blood from the patient, passes it through an oxygenator that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide, then returns it to the body. Unlike mechanical ventilation, which damages the lungs of sedated patients, ECLS enables patients to remain conscious, to be able to speak and to have some mobility. For people suffering kidney disease, blood is taken from the body, passed through a dialyser that removes the toxins that would otherwise be removed by the kidneys, then returned to the body. For very ill patients, applying oxygenation and dialysis separately requires accessing the blood circulation at two different places. Consequently, it increases the risk and places an additional stress on the patient. It also surrounds the patient with blood lines. The proposed device performs oxygenation and dialysis in one compact unit that only requires one patient access point. It thus reduces the risk to the patient and is simpler for clinical staff to initiate and manage.

Respiratory problems cost the NHS over £2,500 million/annum. The project aims to deliver safe effective Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation with reduced risk of blood clots that will improve lives and reduce these costs. Current alternatives have a propensity to cause blood clots and consequently require high levels of anticoagulation. This anticoagulation introduces a risk of haemorrhage and striking a balance between thrombosis and haemorrhage restricts use to a small number of expensive specialist centres. The initial focus is on post-operative support for cardiopulmonary patients to improve recovery rates and reduce hospital stays. Future developments foresee application to a wide range of conditions including drug-free treatment for aggressive ‘flu pandemics and, in the longer term, support for people suffering chronic lung diseases. It is anticipated that over 90% of production from facilities in South Wales will be exported.