European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Vol 7, 71-74, Copyright © 1993 by European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
Closed circuit perfusion of an isolated rabbit lung. A new model for the evaluation of preservation quality of stored lungs
W Wisser, D Oturanlar, R Minich, H Ringl, T Wekerle, W Klepetko and E Wolner
Second Surgical Department, University of Vienna, Austria.
The comparison of different preservation methods in lung transplantation
demands a well standardized and reproducible animal model. The aim of this
study was to establish as in vitro model in which the oxygenation capacity
of the lung can be investigated over an extended period of time. Heart-lung
blocks from 6 New Zealand white rabbits were harvested, the pulmonary
artery and the left ventricle cannulated and the lungs perfused with whole
rabbit blood by means of a roller pump and ventilated with room air. A
dialyser was installed into the closed circuit perfusion for continuous
deoxygenation of the oxygen- saturated blood gained from the left
ventricle. Throughout the stable perfusion period the average arterial and
venous partial oxygen pressure (pO2) levels were 105.8 +/- 15.5 mmHg and
55.2 +/- 6.2, respectively (P < 0.05). The average peak airway pressure
steadily increased from 10.7 +/- 1.2 mmHg at the start of reperfusion to 21
+/- 14.4 mmHg after 180 minutes (P = NS). With this experimental setting it
is possible to maintain stable conditions (i.e. constant venous and
arterial blood gases) for at least 180 minutes. It is therefore feasible to
compare the influences of different preservation methods on the quality of
lung function.