Performing Under Pressure: Maintenance of Donor Lung Pressure During Cabin Depressurization

Maintenance of donor lung pressure is recommended to maintain inflation pressures of 12-15 mm Hg. This is particularly important given graft transportation in aircraft, due to the inevitable pressure changes.

We describe a case of a donor lung preservation system which maintained proper airway pressure during sudden cabin pressure loss requiring emergent landing.

The donor lungs were implanted without complication. Post-transplant course was notable for primary graft dysfunction (PGD) grade 1 at 24 hours, grade 2 at 48 hours, and grade 1 at 72 hours. At 3 months post-transplant, the patient has had no respiratory complications and has been noted to be doing well.