Devices for ex vivo heart and lung perfusion

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The number of organs available for heart and lung transplantationis far short of the number that is needed to meet demand. Perfusionand ventilation of donor organs after procurementhas led to exciting advances in the field of cardiothoracic transplantation. The clinical implications of this technology allows for techniques to evaluate the quality of an organ, active rehabilitation of organs after procurementand prior to implantation, and increased time between organ procurementand implantation. This ex-vivo perfusiontechnique has also been referred to in the lay press as the ‘heart in a box’ or ‘lung in a box.’Areas covered: This review includes information from case reports, case series, and clinical trials on ex vivoheart and lung perfusion. The focus is on the devices, ventilation and perfusiontechniques, outcomes, and application of the technology.Expert commentary: Ex vivo perfusionof donor hearts and lungs prior to transplantation has proven to be a viable alternative ...