Mechanisms and management of early graft dysfunction after lung transplantation

This PhD project will investigate mechanism and possible treatment strategies for ischemia reperfusion injury following lung transplantation. The central aim of this PhD is to acquire further understanding concerning the mechanism of primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation. This is a major complication limiting short term survival following lung transplantation occurring in 15-40% of the recipients and leading to a longer time to extubation, prolonged hospital stay, increased risk for chronic rejection and even mortality. We plan to use patient's data and biological samples, and an animal model of ischemia reperfusion injury to gain further insight in the pathophysiology of primary graft dysfunction. For further validation, further experiments in a pig lung transplant model are necessary which will be used to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms and to eventually find treatment for this devastating condition.