Logistic ex Vivo Lung Perfusion for Hyperimmunized Patients

Abstract

Hyperimmunized patients have restricted access to lung transplantation because of the low rate of donor lung availability. Sensitization to human leukocyte antigen is associated with acute rejection, allograft dysfunction, and decreased survival. Prospective crossmatching could allow matching a lung graft with the recipient; however, such a strategy would increase graft ischemia, with a worse impact on the long-term results of lung transplantation. We used logistic ex vivo lung perfusion for 3 patients at the Foch Hospital while waiting for a negative result of the prospective crossmatching and then moved forward to lung transplantation. All patients are alive 3 years after bilateral lung transplantation.