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Left Lung Orthotopic Transplantation in a Juvenile Porcine Model for ESLP
Published on: February 14, 2022
Technical pearls for swine lung transplantation
Ashkan Karimi1, Jessica A Cobb, Edward D Staples
1The Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0129, USA.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|August 30, 2011
Summary
Understanding key anatomical differences in swine lungs is crucial for successful lung transplantation. Recognizing these variations improves surgical outcomes in experimental porcine models.
Area of Science:
- Comparative Anatomy
- Surgical Innovation
- Transplantation Research
Background:
- Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has increased interest in swine lung transplantation models.
- Human and swine lung anatomical disparities and surgical challenges are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe surgically significant anatomical variations in swine lungs.
- To outline technical strategies for overcoming these differences in lung transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Detailed description of surgically important anatomical variations in porcine lungs.
- Introduction of technical measures for addressing these variations during lung harvest and transplantation.
Main Results:
- Right cranial lobe bronchus originates directly from the trachea, complicating right lung transplantation.
- A developed left hemi-azygos vein crosses the left pulmonary hilum, requiring ligation during transplantation.
- Right inferior pulmonary vein crosses the midline, necessitating ligation during donor lung preparation to facilitate anastomosis.
Conclusions:
- Porcine lung transplantation is technically challenging.
- Awareness of anatomical variations and technical nuances improves transplant success and reproducibility.