State of art: clinical ex vivo lung perfusion: rationale, current status, and future directions

In recent years, ex vivo lung perfusion has emerged as an effective tool for increasing the number of available lungs accepted for transplant. As ex vivo lung perfusion use becomes more widespread, questions have arisen regarding the metabolic activity of the donor lung during ex vivo lung perfusion, optimal perfusion-ventilation strategy, and which parameters best define organ improvement or deterioration. Answers to many of these questions can be found in the published experience with the isolated perfused lung in the study of lung mechanics, pulmonary metabolism, and the effects of various interventions on lung quality. The purpose of this review is to summarize past and present evidence and to provide important background for clinicians and investigators using the ex vivo lung perfusion/isolated perfused lung system.