A new device developed by an Israeli startup that helps patients breathe when their lungs are unable to do so fully has just been patented in the US.

The INSPIRA ART500, produced by Inspira Technologies, is a small box-shaped device that acts as an artificial lung. It draws small volumes of blood with low oxygen levels from patients and circulates it, enriches it with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide, and sends it back through a tube inserted into the neck. 

The startup has developed the device with the aim of reducing the need for mechanical ventilation systems. According to the company, these systems are associated with a 50 percent mortality rate, can heighten the risk of coma and even cause bacterial infections or other associated lung injuries related to mechanical ventilation. 

The newly granted patent relates to the module of the machine that prevents air bubbles within its pumps, thereby reducing the risk of the formation of clots which reduce blood flow. 

Inspira has also initiated patent applications in Europe and several countries in other regions.

“We believe that this patent approval represents a further recognition of our unique solution alongside a major milestone towards the INSPIRA ART500 system and building a global medical solution,” said Dagi Ben-Noon, CEO of Inspira.

“We are working diligently to convert our innovation into value for our shareholders.”