A modified mouse model of orthotopic left lung transplantation based on "pendulum" anastomosis of the reverse-view plane (with video demonstration) / 器官移植

Objective To modify the mouse model of orthotopic left lung transplantation from different perspectives, aiming to establish a simpler, faster and stabler mouse model of lung transplantation. Methods Based on preliminary modified rat model of orthotopic left lung transplantation established by our team, varying extent of modifications were made regarding the tracheal intubation, cannula preparation and anastomosis procedures of orthotopic left lung transplantation in the recipient mice. Orthotopic left lung transplantation in 40 mice were performed by an operator with microsurgical experience. The dissection of the recipient's hilar structure was carried out at the plane of the hilar clamp model within the reverse-view, and the three branches (left main bronchus, pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein) of the pulmonary hilum were anastomosed in turn by the "pendulum" anastomosis method. The operation time of each procedure was recorded. The recipient mice were sacrificed at postoperative 2 weeks, and the incidence of postoperative complications was recorded. Results Lung transplantation was successfully completed in 40 mice, with no bronchial and vascular tearing or twisting, and no bleeding at the anastomosis site. The overall cardiopulmonary procurement time was (10.7±1.5) min, cannula preparation time was (16.2±1.5) min, cold ischemia time was (25.1±2.4) min, warm ischemia time was (19.4±1.6) min, and the total operation time was (57.2±2.9) min, respectively. During the follow-up from 6 to 14 days after surgery, one recipient mouse died of pleural effusion, probably caused by infection. No pneumothorax, thrombosis or atelectasis was found in the remaining recipient mice during postoperative follow-up. Conclusions The modified mouse model of orthotopic left lung transplantation based on "pendulum" anastomosis of the reverse-view plane possesses multiple advantages of short operation time, high success rate and few complications, which is expected to become an alternative model of studying pathological changes after lung transplantation and worthy of further application.

Research progress on malignant tumor after lung transplantation / 器官移植

Lung transplantation has become the most effective treatment of end-stage lung diseases. Along with persistent optimization of lung transplantation technique and perioperative management, the short-term clinical efficacy after lung transplantation has been significantly improved, whereas the long-term clinical prognosis remains unoptimistic. Besides chronic lung allograft dysfunction, postoperative malignant tumors also threaten the long-term survival of the recipients. Common malignant tumors following lung transplantation include nonmelanoma skin cancer, posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease and lung cancer. After solid organ transplantation, a large majority of the recipients require lifelong immunosuppressive therapy. The intensity of immunosuppressive therapy for the lung transplant recipients is generally higher than other organ transplant recipients. Immunosuppression is the main factor which leads to the impairment of anti-tumor immune monitoring function and promotes the incidence and development of malignant tumors. In this article, the risk factors, prevention and treatment of the most common malignant tumors after lung transplantation were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors following lung transplantation.

Learning curve and key procedures analysis of modified rat models of orthotopic left lung transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To summarize and analyze the key procedures of the modified rat model of orthotopic left lung transplantation, aiming to provide more experience for the establishment of rat models of lung transplantation. Methods Two surgeons (A and B) performed complete transplantation in consecutive 15 rat models, and every 5 surgeries were divided into 1 practice stage. The operating time of each transplantation procedure was recorded. The differences of overall success rate and 1-week survival rate were calculated among different practice stages. The learning curve was delineated by the cumulative sum method. Results For surgeons A and B, the number of the first successful transplantation was the 5th and 6th time, the overall success rates of transplantation were 80% and 87% respectively, and the 1-week survival rates of rats both were 92%. Along with the increasing number of surgeries, the entire cardiopulmonary procurement, cannula preparation, cold ischemia, warm ischemia, transplantation and total operation time by two surgeons showed a significantly downward trend (all P < 0.05). For surgeons A and B, 3 and 2 rats died of heart failure due to overdose anesthesia, and 1 rat died of vein distortion at postoperative 1 d and 1 died of atelectasis at postoperative 7 d, respectively. The goodness of fit (R2) of cumulative sum method was 0.992 8 and 0.976 6. The turning point of learning curve was achieved in the 7th and 8th transplantation for surgeons A and B. Conclusions The modified rat model of orthotopic left lung transplantation yields high operability and repeatability both theoretically and technologically, and has multiple advantages of short learning curve, short operation time, high survival rate of the recipients and few complications, which is worthy of application in the basic research of lung transplantation.

Current status and prospect of imaging examination methods for rejection after lung transplantation / 器官移植

Lung transplantation is the only effective therapeutic option for end-stage lung diseases, and postoperative rejection is the main factor affecting clinical prognosis of the recipients. Imaging examination can be utilized as a noninvasive tool to assist other examinations in monitoring rejection after lung transplantation. At present, multiple imaging examination methods have been reported. The advantages and disadvantages of various imaging examinations have been clarified, which may promote early diagnosis of rejection, deliver timely treatment for lung transplant recipients and improve the quality of life and clinical prognosis. In this article, the advantages, disadvantages and research progress upon different imaging examinations for rejection after lung transplantation were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for identifying the optimal noninvasive examination approach for rejection after lung transplantation and enhance the long-term survival of the recipients.