Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion in Lung Transplantation

Abstract

Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a technique that enables active metabolism of the lung by creating an environment similar to that inside the body, even though the explanted lungs are outside the body. The EVLP system enables the use of lung grafts that do not satisfy the acceptance criteria for lung transplantation (LTx) by making it possible to evaluate the function of the lung grafts and repair lungs in poor condition, thereby reducing the waiting time of patients requiring LTx and consequently mortality.

Keywords: Donor pool; Ex vivo lung perfusion; Lung transplantation.

Fig. 1

Schematic diagram of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP). The EVLP system consists of ventilation and perfusion system. Normothermic perfusate circulates inside the circuit connected to the membrane gas exchanger and leukocyte filter.

Fig. 2

Application of ex vivo lung perfusion to a porcine lung using the XVIVO perfusion system.