Ex-vivo lung perfusion therapies: do they add value to organ donation?

Significant limitations in organ availability and postoperative graft dysfunction plague lung transplantation and there is continual need for innovation. Ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has emerged over the last decade as an alternative and/or complementary allograft storage and assessment tool, however logistical hurdles have limited its widespread dissemination. As such, the overall current and potential value of EVLP on modern-day lung transplantation should be considered as innovation moves forward.

Since inception, EVLP has made important safety strides in conclusively showing noninferiority to cold storage in several trials. Recent advances have highlighted potential mechanisms by which EVLP in its current form may reduce the pathogenic origins of primary graft dysfunction. Exciting work on organ reconditioning with EVLP via reduction in intermediaries of acute inflammation and oxidative stress have been performed in animal models. In addition, cross-circulation during EVLP has emerged as a method to achieve more prolonged ex situ storage. The impending translation of these to clinical use will markedly improve the overall value of EVLP.

This review will highlight the current status of EVLP as it pertains to overall value in lung transplantation, focusing on historical and recent preclinical work and how innovation therein will improve lung transplantation as a field.