Effect of ex vivo lung perfusion on storage of isolated lungs

Abstract

Background: To establish a stable ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) model and determine the preservation effect of the EVLP technique on donor lungs in vitro. Methods: EVLP was performed on nonacceptable human donor and porcine lungs, and during perfusion, the oxygenation index was assessed and blood gas analysis was performed. Results: After 4 h of EVLP of nonacceptable human donor and porcine lungs, lung function parameters remained stable, and lung energy metabolism was improved to a certain extent. Conclusions: EVLP can suitably maintain donor lungs in vitro for transplantation and is an effective method for ex vivo preservation of donor lungs.