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Updated: Dec 16, 2025
Author Spotlight: Utilizing Next-Generation Polymerized Human Hemoglobin for Improved Donor Lung Evaluation and Preservation in Rats
Published on: June 14, 2024
A Low-Cost Perfusate Alternative for Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion
Max T Buchko1, Sayed Himmat2, Nader S Aboelnazar2
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Background:
Normothermic ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has been used successfully to evaluate and recondition marginal donor lungs; however, multiple barriers continue to prevent its widespread adoption. We sought to develop a common hospital ingredient-derived perfusate (CHIP) with equivalent functional and inflammatory characteristics to a standard Krebs-Henseleit buffer with 8% serum albumin-derived perfusate (KHB-Alb) to improve access and reduce costs of ex vivo organ perfusion.
Methods:
Sixteen porcine lungs were perfused using negative pressure ventilation (NPV) EVLP for 12 hours in a normothermic state and were allocated equally to 2 groups: KHB-Alb vs CHIP. Physiological parameters, cytokine profiles, and edema formation were compared between treatment groups.
Results:
Perfused lungs in both groups demonstrated equivalent oxygenation (partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio >350 mm Hg) and physiological parameters. There was equivalent generation of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6, irrespective of perfusate solution used, when comparing CHIP vs KHB-Alb. Pig lungs developed equivalent edema formation between groups (CHIP: 15.8 ± 4.8%, KHB-Alb 19.5 ± 4.4%, P > .05).
Conclusion:
A perfusate derived of common hospital ingredients provides equivalent results to a standard Krebs-Henseleit buffer with 8% serum albumin-based perfusate in NPV-EVLP.
