Homotransplantation of the lung in dogs, with special reference to the circulation system in the transplant.

Abstract

Twenty-four homologous lung transplantations were performed on dogs. The functional capacity of the transplanted lungs was established by angiography, measur ing blood oxygen saturation, and microscopical observations of the blood flow in the lung tissue. All investigations were carried out directly after transplantation and during rethoracotomles. The Influence of lung denervatlon on Its perfusion was excluded. Three different ways of preparing the transplant were tried. The best results are to be expected after direct transplantation from animal to animal. If the lung has to be preserved far some time, the vascular bed should be thoroughly washed of blood with macrodex, and the lung should be kept inflated. Improper handling of the transplant may subsequently cause pulmonary congestion and hemorrhage. All the dogs which died or were killed during experiments were submitted to necropsy and all the specimens were examined histologically and radiologically. Histological examinations showed that, in order to protect the bronchial mucosa of the transplant from sloughing, which may lead to infection, only a very short bronchial stump should be left with the transplant. The surgical techniques could be used successfully in transplanting the human lung, provided that safe and reliable methods and suppressing the immunological reaction are found.