Ex-vivo lung perfusion

Abstract

This review outlines the new and promising technique of ex vivo lung perfusion and its clinical potential to increase the number of transplantable lungs and to improve the early and late outcome after transplantation. The rationale, the experimental background, the technique and protocols, and available devices for ex vivo lung perfusion are discussed. The current clinical experience worldwide and ongoing clinical trials are reviewed.

Keywords: ex vivo lung perfusion; lung assessment; lung conditioning; lung preservation; lung repair; lung transplantation.