A new preservation solution for lung transplantation: Evaluation in a porcine transplantation model

Background Lung preservation injury is still a major problem in lung transplantation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of a new preservation solution (Custodiol-N) for lung preservation. Methods Using an in vivo pig model, 7 lungs each were preserved for 24 hours after perfusion with: low-potassium dextran (LPD) solution as control (Group I); base solution of Custodiol-N without iron chelators (Group II); Custodiol-N (Group III); or Custodiol-N supplemented with dextran 40 (Group IV). Four animals received a sham operation. After left lung transplantation and contralateral lung exclusion, hemodynamics and blood gases were monitored for 6 hours; tissue samples were taken at the end of the experiments. Results All animals survived the transplantation procedure. Base solution– and Custodiol-N–preserved lungs (Groups II and III) showed graft function similar to that of LPD-preserved lungs (Group I), showing a trend toward improved values. Custodiol-N with dextran (Group IV) led to a significant reduction of mean pulmonary arterial pressure (20 ± 2 vs 28 ± 3 mm Hg, p 5 , p p 2 values were significantly lower (51 ± 9 vs 77 ± 5 mm Hg at 6 hours, p Conclusions Custodiol-N solution is a new alternative preservation solution for lung transplantation that offers significantly superior protection compared with LPD when dextran 40 is added.