The Isolated Pig Lung from the Slaughtering Process as a Model for Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion: A Comparison in a Model for uDCDD

Objectives: Ex vivo lung perfusion is a tool for lung evaluation and reconditioning for marginal organs to expand the lung donor pool. With regard to optimal technical implementation and suitable perfusion solutions, there are still open questions which are currently investigated in different animal models. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the usability of isolated lungs from the slaughterhouse for EVLP research and to compare their lung functional outcomes to standard lungs from organ procurements.

Methods: In a porcine model of donation after circulatory determination of death (DCDD), either lungs from organ procurement (SS, n = 8) or lungs obtained from the slaughterhouse (SL, n = 8) were used. Lungs were flushed with Perfadex, cold-stored for 4 hours, and subsequently perfused for 4 hours in the EVLP system using Steen Solution. During the EVLP workout, lung functional parameters were recorded hourly. LDH and AP activities in the perfusate and oxygenation capacity were determined by blood gas analysis. Histological and microbiological samples were taken at the end of the workout.

Results: Slaughterhouse lungs showed no significant difference in oxygen capacity for both groups (P/F ratio averaged over 4 hours: SL 293.35 ± 186.93 mm Hg SS 247.46 ± 199.11 mm Hg). LDH concentration was significantly higher (SL 438.50 ± 139.8 U/L, SS 258.42 ± 108.4 U/L), as well as significant higher dynamic compliance ( SL 32.23 ± 13.33 mL/cm H₂O; SS 12.75 ± 6.0 mL/cm H₂O) and static compliance (SL 46.42 ± 32.98; SS 15.94 ± 6.83).

Conclusion: We can conclude that the P/F ratio did not deteriorate significantly during the slaughtering process. EVLP with slaughter house lungs was feasible and could potentially reduce the number of animals sacrificed for experiments.