Unilateral lung transplantation using right and left upper lobes: An experimental study

Hitoshi Nishikawa, Takahiro Oto, Shinji Otani, Masaaki Harada, Norichika Iga, Kentaroh Miyoshi, Shinichiro Miyoshi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective The shortage of organ donors is a serious problem in Japan. The right and left upper lobes of rejected extended-criteria lungs have the potential to be used for downsized lung transplantation; however, the 2 upper lobes are too small for a size-matched recipient. The present study investigated the feasibility of unilateral transplantation using the right and left upper lobes. Methods After harvesting the heart-lung block from donor swine, a left lung graft was created using the right and left upper lobes and transplanted into the left thoracic space of the recipient swine (group A, n = 5). We then evaluated graft function for 6 hours and compared these results with those of a control group (group B, n = 5), in which orthotopic left lung transplantation had been performed. Results The mean partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood gas after reperfusion was 507 mm Hg in group A and 463 mm Hg in group B (P =.2). The mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 30.3 mm Hg in group A and 27.5 mm Hg in group B (P =.4). The mean airway pressure was 6.4 mm Hg in group A and 6.2 mm Hg in group B (P =.7). Conclusions Our results suggest that unilateral left lung transplantation using the right and left upper lobes is technically and functionally feasible for size-matched recipients. In addition, this technique enables the use of rejected lungs if the upper lobes are still intact.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1534-1537
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Volume146
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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