Implementation of an experimental isolated lung perfusion model on surgically resected human lobes

Isolated lung perfusion (ILP) is an ideal model to study treatment effects on a variety of pathologies. As published research mostly relies on rejected donor lungs or animal organs, this study investigates the use of surgically resected human lobes as an alternative and novel model for personalized experimental research. Ten surgically resected lobes were perfused in acellular and normothermic condition. The indication for surgery was lung cancer. Perfusion and ventilation were adapted to the size of the lobes and both functional and metabolic parameters were assessed during ILP. Patients (age 67.5 y (59-81)|♀n = 3|♂n = 7) underwent anatomic pulmonary lobectomy. Ischemic time between arterial ligation and ILP was 226 minutes (161-525). Median duration of ILP was 135 (87-366) minutes. Gas exchange and mechanical respiratory parameters remained steady during ILP (pulmonary venous pO₂ 196(151-219) mmHg | peak AWP: 14.5(11-22) cmH₂O). Metabolism stayed constant during ILP (Glucose consumption: 1.86 mg/min/L_TLC (95%CI: -2.09 to -1.63) | lactate production: 0.005 mmol/min/ L_TLC (95%CI: 0.004 to 0.007)). ILP of surgically resected human lobes is a feasible and promising method. By maintaining a near physiological setting, this model may pave the way for future experimental lung research including cancer research, transplantation, physiology, pharmacology and mechanical ventilation.