Japanese researchers have completed the first human clinical trial testing whether delivering oxygen through the rectum could help people with lung problems. The concept, called enteral ventilation, won the 2024 Ig Nobel Prize for humorous scientific achievements but has evolved into serious research. The trial tested safety and tolerability by having participants hold a special oxygen-carrying perfluorocarbon liquid inside their rectum for up to 60 minutes.
No serious side effects were reported, though some participants experienced bloating and discomfort with higher volumes. Only 7 participants couldn’t make it the full hour. Vital signs remained stable, and no one suffered lasting issues. The researchers were motivated partly by the severe ventilator shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The next step is testing how well oxygen actually transfers from the intestines to the bloodstream.
Source: NY Post
