Machine Perfusion of Lungs

Abstract

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this review is to summarize the fundamentals, rationale, research topics, and clinical outcomes of ex vivo lung perfusion. Recent Findings: Since the first clinical case in 2000, the usefulness of ex vivo lung perfusion to increase the donor lung pool has been supported by much evidence. The main role of ex vivo lung perfusion is to evaluate, preserve, and treat lungs that otherwise might not be useable for transplantation. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the optimal perfusate, flow, method of evaluation, markers of lung performance, and possible treatment strategies. Moreover, during the last decade, clinical trials have demonstrated comparable clinical outcomes to lung transplants performed with standard donors without EVLP. Summary: Ex vivo lung perfusion is an effective tool to evaluate lungs and to salvage rejected donor lungs to increase the donor lung pool.