The evolving potential for pediatricex vivolung perfusion

What is it about?

Despite the rise in the number of adult lung transplantations performed, rates of pediatric lung transplantation remain low. Lung transplantation is an accepted therapy for pediatric end-stage lung disease; however, it is limited by a shortage of donor organs. EVLP has emerged as a platform for assessment and preservation of donor lung function. EVLP has been adopted in adult lung transplantation and has successfully led to increased adult lung transplantations and donor lung utilization. We discuss the future implications of EVLP utilization, specifically, its potential evolving role in overcoming donor shortages in smaller children and adolescents to improve the quality and outcomes of lung transplantation in pediatric patients.

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Why is it important?

A pediatric-specific EVLP may allow the opportunity for concomitant lung size reduction, the utilization of pediatric DCD donors, extreme distance, and marginal or extended criteria donors coupled with the ability to functionally assess and provide personalized therapy to improve pediatric lung utilization and transplant outcome.