PreLungSim (Changes in mechanical properties of premature sheep lungs in a newly developed lung simulator)

This proof-of-concept study, funded by the European Paediatric Society, represents a collaboration between the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, the Medical University of Vienna, and the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. It focuses on further developing the existing lung simulator (xPULM) and validating it as a spontaneously breathing preterm lung simulator that replicates the neonatal transition phase using extremely premature, non-aerated sheep lungs. By mimicking realistic spontaneous breathing patterns and varying positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels, the study enables a comparison of surfactant delivery methods (bolus versus aerosolized) as well as different continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices. This pilot study presents an innovative approach and is designed to improve our understanding of surfactant distribution and lung mechanics, ultimately guiding the optimization of non-invasive ventilation strategies for more effective treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.