Chapters authored
Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion: From Bench to Bedside
Lung transplantation is an established treatment option for eligible patients with end-stage lung disease. Nonetheless, there exists an imbalance between donor lungs considered suitable for transplantation and the ever-growing number of patients dying on the waiting list. This chapter reflects the potential alternative, normothermic ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), which has emerged to address this issue and how it can expand the currently limited donor pool. Normothermic ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), as a novel preservation technique, is capable of assessing, evaluating, and improving lung function prior to lung transplantation. Here, we (1) contrast the various available commercial EVLP available and used around the world; (2) outline the University of Alberta novel EVLP circuit; (3) discuss the limitations present between clinical and laboratory applications; and (4) present what we are currently working on at the laboratory to further improve the assessment techniques used on EVLP.
Part of the book: Frontiers in Transplantology