What is ex vivo lung perfusion?
Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is an innovative therapy applied to donor lungs outside of the body before transplantation that improves organ quality and makes lungs that were previously unsuitable safe for transplant.
Lung transplantation is the only life–saving therapy for patients with certain types of end–stage lung disease. However, the procedure has limited availability because not all donor lungs are safe for transplantation. This shortage of donor lungs results in the death of 20 percent of lung transplant candidates awaiting transplant.
How does ex vivo lung perfusion work?
The process involves a three-to-four-hour period during which the donated lungs are placed inside a sterile plastic dome attached to a ventilator, pump and filters. The lungs are maintained at normal body temperature and treated with a bloodless solution that contains nutrients, proteins and oxygen. This can reverse lung injury and remove excess lung water.
During the process, lung function is evaluated continuously on several key indicators. Once determined to be suitable, the lungs are transplanted into a patient on the lung transplant waiting list.
EVLP at Penn Medicine
EVLP is currently offered by only a handful of centers worldwide. Penn Medicine is one of very few institutions in the United States to offer this advanced procedure, a testament to the high quality of research and patient care available here.