A modified orthotopic left lung transplantation model in rats

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Transplantation Research
• Animal Models

Background:

• The rat orthotopic left lung transplantation model is crucial for studying lung transplant outcomes.
• Existing models face challenges in operability, leading to high failure and complication rates.
• Improvements are needed to enhance the reliability and reproducibility of this model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a refined and highly operable rat orthotopic left lung transplantation model.
• To detail procedural modifications that improve surgical success and reduce complications.
• To establish a reliable model for investigating both acute and chronic post-transplant conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 64 donor and 64 recipient Sprague Dawley rats for orthotopic left lung transplantation.
• Implemented a modified three-cuff technique with waist-shaped cuffs to prevent slippage.
• Employed a modified perfusion method to prevent donor lung edema and a two-person anastomosis technique.
• Optimized donor lung inflation and recipient positioning to minimize surgical complications.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 96.7% survival rate at 4 hours post-operation with only one surgical failure in 64 procedures.
• Significantly reduced total operation time through procedural refinements and a two-person anastomosis technique.
• Demonstrated long-term viability of transplanted lungs for up to six months, showing normal function and pathological changes.

Conclusions:

• The modified rat orthotopic left lung transplantation model offers enhanced operability, reduced surgical duration, and improved success rates.
• This refined model provides a robust platform for studying acute and chronic lung transplant-related pathologies.
• The high survival and long-term viability support its utility in preclinical transplantation research.