DONOR LUNG ASSESSMENT AND MODIFICATION AT THE EARLY STAGES OF THE TRANSPLANT PROCESS TO IMPROVE OUTCOME AFTER LUNG TRANSPLANTATION

Lung transplantation is the only life-saving treatment for selected patients with end-stage pulmonary disease. Shortage of acceptable donor grafts has a serious impact on waiting list survival and may impact early (primary graft dysfunction) and late outcome (chronic rejection). In this project we will approach this problem at 3 different levels early in the transplantation process. The first aim is to improve the assessment of donor organs combining CT imaging with blood markers in a prospective study (human lungs). We will develop prediction models related to the outcome. The second aim is to prevent organ injury by further optimization of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP). we will develop an innovative rotating device with experimental ventilation options (porcine lungs and rejected human lungs). Finally, we will investigate the treatment of lungs after reperfusion to overcome primary graft dysfunction, using stem cell application (MAPC) and active cytokine adsorption (porcine lungs).Our project will increase the availability of transplantable donor grafts and improve outcome after transplantation.

Keywords:lung transplantation, ex vivo lung perfusion, donor management, lung CT imaging, donor lung quality, donor lung profile, organ reconditioning, stem cells, organ shortage, primary graft dysfunction

Disciplines:Anaesthesiology, Intensive care and emergency medicine