Artificial gills (human)

Under artificial gill is defined as a device with which it is possible to extract oxygen from the water and the carbon dioxide to give the divers surrounding water using special membranes. The theoretically possible, but currently not practically applicable technology for breathing under water would represent a significant extension of the dive time.

The method was successfully tested in the late 1960s in the laboratory on animals. Golden hamsters survived so temporarily in a limited space by silicone rubber membranes in a goldfish aquarium. Was in charge of the employees at General Electric American Walter Robb.

Unresolved issues

• The need for humans greater amount of oxygen must be removed from the device out of the water. Extrapolated to humans, a membrane area of ​​about 25 m² would be necessary, based on oxygen-enriched, clean aquarium water. In oxygen- poor waters may be significantly lower the oxygen content.
• The greater membrane area required to achieve this amount that needs to be considered.
• The necessary water circulation at the membrane to achieve this amount must be considered.
• The durability of the membrane must be taken into account.
• The need for respiratory gas mixtures must be considered.
• The functions of the artificial gills must be guaranteed even under difficult conditions such as in waste water.

The proposed surgical implantation of gills, as in science fiction, such as Flash Gordon or in support of the Homo aquaticus, often bears the same name.