How the external artificial womb system works

The lamb is sealed inside a ‘biobag’ keeping it in a sterile, dark, temperature-controlled environment designed to mimic the womb

Meds and

fluids

‘Biobag’

1

2

Amniotic

fluid in

Amniotic

fluid out

Oxygenator

1

The umbilical cord is threaded out of the biobag, allowing oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to the lamb through its umbilical vein

 

2

The lamb breathes and swallows laboratory-made amniotic fluid, which flows in and out of the bag delivering nutrients to stimulate foetal growth

Meds and

fluids

‘Biobag’

1

Amniotic

fluid in

Amniotic

fluid out

2

Oxygenator

2

The lamb breathes and swallows laboratory-made amniotic fluid, which flows in and out of the bag delivering nutrients to stimulate foetal growth

1

The umbilical cord is threaded out of the biobag, allowing oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to the lamb through its umbilical vein

Guardian graphic | Source: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia