title: Transplantation of initially rejected donor lungs after ex vivo lung perfusion.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Ex vivo lung perfusion has the potential to increase the number of patients treated with lung transplantation. Our initial clinical experience with ex vivo lung perfusion is reviewed as well as early clinical outcome in patients transplanted with reconditioned lungs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six pairs of donor lungs deemed unsuitable for transplantation underwent ex vivo lung perfusion with Steen solution mixed with red blood cells to a hematocrit of 10% to 15%. After reconditioning, lung function was evaluated and acceptable lungs were transplanted. Technical experience with ex vivo lung perfusion as well as clinical outcome for patients transplanted with ex vivo lung perfusion-treated lungs were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Donor lungs initially rejected either as a result of an inferior partial pressure of arterial oxygen/ fraction of inspired oxygen (n = 5; mean, 20.5 kPa; range, 9.1-29.9 kPa) or infiltrate on chest radiograph (n = 1) improved their oxygenation capacity to a mean partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen of 57 ± 10 kPa during the ex vivo lung perfusion (mean improvement, 33.6 kPa; range, 21-51 kPa; P < .01). During evaluation, hemodynamic (flow, vascular resistance, pressure) and respiratory (peak airway pressure, compliance) parameters were stable. Two single lungs were not used for lung transplantation because of subpleural hematoma or edema. Six recipients from the regular waiting list underwent single (n = 2) or double (n = 4) lung transplantation. One patient had primary graft dysfunction grade 2 at 72 hours. Median time to extubation was 7 hours. All patients survived 30 days and were discharged in good condition from the hospital.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of ex vivo lung perfusion seems safe and indicates that some lungs otherwise refused for lung transplantation can be recovered and transplanted with acceptable short-term results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wallinder
authors.forename: Sven-Erik
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Ricksten
authors.forename: Christoffer
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hansson
authors.forename: Gerdt C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Riise
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Silverborn
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Liden
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Olausson
authors.forename: Göran
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dellgren
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D060666:Airway Extubation; D046148:Donor Selection; D006400:Hematocrit; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010477:Perfusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D055031:Primary Graft Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange; D011859:Radiography; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013548:Sweden; D013997:Time Factors; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014850:Waiting Lists