University of Wisconsin versus modified Euro-Collins solution for lung preservation

In a canine model, the quality of lung preservation was assessed using pulmonary artery flush after prostacyclin administration with either modified Euro-Collins solution or University of Wisconsin solution. Twelve combined heterotopic heart and orthotopic left lung allotransplantations were performed after 6 hours of cold ischemia. Myocardial preservation was achieved using St. Thomas Hospital solution. Donor organs were anastomosed parallel to the recipient's heart and right lung, and the superior vena cava inflow was directed into the transplanted heart-left lung block after ligation of the recipient's superior vena cava proximal to the caval anastomosis. Postoperatively, cardiorespiratory function was evaluated separately for donor and recipient organs at an inspired oxygen fraction of 0.4 for a maximum of 12 hours. Significantly improved oxygenation and lower pulmonary vascular resistance index of the donor lung was observed in the University of Wisconsin + prostacyclin group, whereas pulmonary artery pressures showed no significant differences in between both groups. It is concluded that superior results in lung preservation can be achieved with pulmonary artery flush perfusion using University of Wisconsin solution and prostacyclin when compared with Euro-Collins solution and prostacyclin.