A modified ex-vivo rabbit lung reperfusion model for the study of lung preservation techniques.

Extracorporeal reperfusion models have proved to be particularly useful for the experimental assessment of donor lung preservation techniques. One disadvantage of the models employed to date is what with the low reperfusion rates used, any minimal lung damage is compensated for and is thus not detected or at least not detected promptly. By permitting reperfusion at physiological flow rates, use of a membrane deoxygenator in a closed circuit permits early detection of damage due to ischaemia or reperfusion. A modified ex-vivo reperfusion model is presented which permits assessment of lung function under almost physiological conditions after varying periods of ischaemia and varying conditions of preservation.

The influence of verapamil on lung preservation. A study on rabbit lungs with a reperfusion model allowing physiological loading.

Calcium-channel blockers have recently been shown to improve myocardial and renal preservation. It was presumed that this should apply also for donor lungs. Extracorporeal reperfusion models have proved to be particularly useful for the experimental assessment of donor-lung preservation techniques. One disadvantage of the models employed to date is that with the low reperfusion rates used, any minimal lung damage is compensated for and is thus not detected or at least not detected promptly. The aim of this study was the investigation of the effect of verapamil in a modified reperfusion model with physiological volume/time flow ratio during reperfusion. The application of verapamil into the flush and into the reperfusion blood of an ex-vivo lung transplantation model renders, particularly after 12 hr of preservation, a statistically significant improvement of the organ function.