Our Summary

This research paper looks at a procedure called Isolated Lung Perfusion (ILP), which is used in lung transplants and certain types of lung cancer research. In lung transplants, ILP helps doctors check the health of donated lungs after they’ve been removed from the donor. It’s also being explored as a way to actively treat and repair damaged lungs that aren’t suitable for transplant, outside of the body. In addition to this, ILP could be used to deliver a high dose of chemotherapy to treat lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. This process is known as in vivo lung perfusion. The paper discusses the reasoning behind these techniques, how they’re done, and what experimental and clinical trials have found. It also gives thoughts on how these techniques might be used in the future.

FAQs

  1. What is isolated lung perfusion (ILP) and how is it used in lung transplantation?
  2. How does in vivo lung perfusion work in the treatment of pulmonary metastatic disease?
  3. What are the future applications of lung perfusion techniques?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about lung transplant is to maintain a healthy lifestyle before and after the surgery. This includes quitting smoking, staying active, eating a balanced diet, and following any prescribed medication and rehabilitation plans. It is important to take care of your overall health to improve the success of the lung transplant and your long-term outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lung transplant are those with end-stage lung disease who have exhausted all other treatment options and have a significantly decreased quality of life. This may include patients with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary hypertension. Patients who are younger, have fewer comorbidities, and are able to comply with post-transplant care are more likely to be considered for a lung transplant. Additionally, patients must undergo a thorough evaluation process to determine if they are suitable candidates for a transplant, which includes physical and psychological assessments.

Timeline

Before lung transplant:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with end-stage lung disease and referred for lung transplant evaluation.
  2. Patient undergoes extensive medical evaluation, including physical exams, blood tests, imaging studies, and psychological evaluation.
  3. Patient is placed on the lung transplant waiting list and waits for a suitable donor organ to become available.
  4. Patient may experience worsening symptoms and decreased lung function while waiting for transplant.

After lung transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes lung transplant surgery, which involves removing the diseased lung(s) and replacing it with a healthy donor lung.
  2. Patient is closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) immediately after surgery for complications and to ensure proper function of the new lung.
  3. Patient undergoes rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain strength and lung function.
  4. Patient takes immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection of the donor lung.
  5. Patient attends regular follow-up appointments with their transplant team to monitor lung function, medication levels, and overall health.
  6. Patient may experience complications or rejection episodes, which require additional treatment and monitoring.
  7. Patient is able to resume normal activities and enjoy improved quality of life with their new lung.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of lung transplants in general, and what factors can affect the success of the procedure?

  2. How long is the average wait time for a lung transplant, and what criteria are used to determine eligibility for the procedure?

  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with lung transplant surgery?

  4. How will my medications and lifestyle need to change after a lung transplant?

  5. How often will I need to follow up with my transplant team after the procedure, and what signs should I watch for that may indicate rejection or complications?

  6. Can you provide me with information about the specific transplant center where the surgery will take place, including the team’s experience and success rates?

  7. What support services are available to help me and my family cope with the emotional and practical challenges of a lung transplant?

  8. How long is the typical recovery period after a lung transplant, and what can I expect in terms of physical therapy and rehabilitation?

  9. Are there any alternative treatments or clinical trials that I should consider before proceeding with a lung transplant?

  10. How will my quality of life be impacted by a lung transplant, and what long-term outcomes can I expect?

Reference

Authors: Cypel M, Keshavjee S. Journal: Thorac Surg Clin. 2016 May;26(2):139-45. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2015.12.002. PMID: 27112253