Figure 3: Current successful artificial placenta systems to support fetal growth in animal models.
The basic charateristics of an artificial placenta comprise of: an extracorporeal circuit; the maintanence of fetal circulation; fluid-filled lungs; and a womb-like environment for organ protection and development. (A) A venous–venous extracorporeal circuit with a pump.83 (B and C) These two systems use the umbilical vessels for access and have pumpless circuit. They also provide an extrauterine environment with a continuous exchange of amniotic fluid.84,85 (B) Uses two extracorporeal units.84 (C) Uses one extracorporeal unit.85