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The inhibition of cellular metabolism induced by hypothermia obviates the possibility of substantial reparative processes occurring during organ preservation. The aim of this study was to develop a technique of extended (12-hour) ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) at normothermia for assessment and protective maintenance of the donor lung.

Six double-lung blocks from 35-kg pigs and 5 single human lungs were subjected to 12 hours of normothermic EVLP using acellular Steen Solution. In the animal studies, the left lung was transplanted into recipients at the end of EVLP and reperfused for 4 hours to evaluate the impact of prolonged EVLP on post-transplant lung function. A protective mode of mechanical ventilation with controlled perfusion flows and pressures in the pulmonary vasculature were employed during EVLP. Lung oxygenation capacity (ΔPo₂), pulmonary vascular resistance …