Extended criteria donor organ use for heart-lung transplantation in the modern era

Abstract Background: Demand for donor hearts and lungs exceeds their supply. Extended Criteria Donor (ECD) organs are used to help meet this demand, but their impact on heart-lung transplantation outcomes is poorly characterized. Methods and results: The United Network for Organ Sharing was queried for data on adult heart-lung transplantation recipients (n = 447) from 2005‒2021. Recipients were stratified based on whether they received ECD hearts and/or lungs. Morbidity was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests. Mortality was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimation, log-rank tests and Cox regression. Sixty-five (14.5%) patients received two ECD organs, 134 (30.0%) received only an ECD lung, and 65 (14.5%) only an ECD heart. Recipients of two ECD organs were older, more likely to have diabetes, and more likely transplanted from 2015‒2021 (p < 0.05). Groups did not differ by pre-transplant diagnosis, intensive care unit disposition, life support use, or hemodynam-ics. Group five-year survival rates ranged from 54.5% to 63.2% (p = 0.428). Groups did not differ by 30-day mortality, strokes, graft rejection, or hospital length of stay. Conclusions: Using ECD hearts and/or lungs for heart-lung transplantation is not associated with increased mortality and is a safe strategy for increasing donor organ supply in this complex patient population.

Cesarean section under spinal anesthesia seven years after heart-lung transplantation: a case report / 中华围产医学杂志

This article reported a successful cesarean section performed on a woman with 37 +6 weeks of gestation after heart-lung transplantation (HLTx) at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The patient was a 29-year-old woman with singleton pregnancy who underwent HLTx seven years ago. During pregnancy, she was treated with azathioprine and tacrolimus to suppress immune rejection. The patient was in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class Ⅰ and had no fever or shortness of breath. Prenatal examinations indicated that the mother and the fetus were in good condition. A baby girl was delivered successfully at full term by a transverse lower-segment cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Both the mother and the child were healthy at follow-up of 42 d after discharge.

Clinical feature changes of a COVID-19 patient from mild to critical condition and cardiopulmonary pathological results / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To analyse the clinical history, laboratory tests and pathological data of a patient who suffered from novel coronavirus pneumonia(COVID-19) and provide reference for the clinical treatment of similar cases. Methods: Data of clinical manifestation, laboratory examination, bronchoscopy, echocardiography and cardiopulmonary pathological results were retrospectively reviewed in a case of COVID-19 with rapid exacerbation from mild to critical condition. Results: This patient hospitalized at day 9 post 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV) infection, experienced progressive deterioration from mild to severe at day 12, severe to critical at day 18 and underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO) and continuous renal replacement therapy(CRRT) as well as heart lung transplantation during day 28-45 post infection, and died at the second day post heart and lung transplantation. The patient had suffered from hypertension for 8 years. At the early stage of the disease, his symptoms were mild and the inflammatory indices increased and the lymphocyte count decreased continuously. The patient's condition exacerbated rapidly with multi-organ infections, and eventually developed pulmonary hemorrhage and consolidation, pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure, malignant ventricular arrhythmias, liver dysfunction, etc. His clinical manifestations could not be improved despite viral RNAs test results became negative. The patient underwent lung and heart transplantation and finally died of multi organ failure at the second day post lung and heart transplantation. Pathological examination indicated massive mucus, dark red secretions and blood clots in bronchus. The pathological changes were mainly diffused pulmonary hemorrhagic injuries and necrosis, fibrosis, small vessel disease with cardiac edema and lymphocyte infiltration. Conclusions: The clinical course of severe COVID-19 can exacerbate rapidly from mild to critical with lung, liver and heart injuries.

The First Successful Heart-Lung Transplant in a Korean Child with Humidifier Disinfectant-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

From 2006 to 2011, an outbreak of a particular type of childhood interstitial lung disease occurred in Korea. The condition was intractable and progressed to severe respiratory failure, with a high mortality rate. Moreover, in several familial cases, the disease affected young women and children simultaneously. Epidemiologic, animal, and post-interventional studies identified the cause as inhalation of humidifier disinfectants. Here, we report a 4-year-old girl who suffered from severe progressive respiratory failure. She could survive by 100 days of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and finally, underwent heart-lung transplantation. This is the first successful pediatric heart-lung transplantation carried out in Korea.

Clinical Outcomes of Heart-Lung Transplantation: Review of 10 Single-Center Consecutive Patients

BACKGROUND: Heart-lung transplantation (HLT) has provided hope to patients with end-stage lung disease and irreversible heart dysfunction. We reviewed the clinical outcomes of 10 patients who underwent heart-lung transplantation at Asan Medical Center. METHODS: Between July 2010 and August 2014, a total of 11 patients underwent HLT at Asan Medical Center. After excluding one patient who underwent concomitant liver transplantation, 10 patients were enrolled in our study. We reviewed the demographics of the donors and the recipients' baseline information, survival rate, cause of death, and postoperative complications. All patients underwent follow-up, with a mean duration of 26.1±16.7 months. RESULTS: Early death occurred in two patients (20%) due to septic shock. Late death occurred in three patients (38%) due to bronchiolitis obliterans (n=2) and septic shock (n=1), although these patients survived for 22, 28, and 42 months, respectively. The actuarial survival rates at one year, two years, and three years after HLT were 80%, 67%, and 53%, respectively. CONCLUSION: HLT is a procedure that is rarely performed in Korea, even in medical centers with large heart and lung transplant programs. In order to achieve acceptable clinical outcomes, it is critical to carefully choose the donor and the recipient and to be certain that all aspects of the transplant procedure are planned in advance with the greatest care.

Influence of traditional Chinese culture and ideas on organ donation / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The number of patients in need of organ transplantation in China is increased by more than 10%per year. Due to the lack of voluntary donations, China is facing a more severe donor shortage than other countries. What are the specific reasons for the shortage of donor organs in China? What is the attitude toward organ donation in Chinese citizens? What factors are affecting the implementation of organ donation in Chinese citizens? OBJECTIVE:To investigate the influence of traditional Chinese ideas on the wil ing of Chinese citizens toward organ donation after death. METHODS:By random cluster sampling, 900 persons selected from different social classes as research objects received questionnaire survey. Self-made questionnaire consisted of cognition, attitude and behavior of the public in face of organ donation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) 55.16%of persons thought that the main purpose of organ donation was to help others, 24.22%thought that the main purpose of organ donation was a manifestation of social morality, 11.94%thought that organ donation was the continuation of their lives. (2) There were 70.00%who said donations should be used for the cause of organ transplantation, in order to save more lives, and the average score was 2.53 points;while the number of persons who proposed donor organs would be applied in medical teaching was similar to that in pathological anatomy, and the average score was 1.72 and 1.75, respectively. (3) 65.01%of the public supported cardiopulmonary death standard to judge death, 24.33%supported brain death standard to judge death, and moreover, 10.66%of people did not know what to take. (4) 50.52%of people thought that the main factors affecting the organ donation was traditional Chinese culture and ideas, fol owed by the donation program and family feelings. The study found that traditional Chinese culture and ideas are the main factor affecting organ donation in the public, most people think that cardiopulmonary death standard is better to judge death and that the main purpose of organ donation is to help others that organ donation should be applied firstly to organ transplantation in order to save more lives.

Anesthesia for non-pulmonary surgical intervention following lung transplantation: two cases report / 대한마취과학회지

The survival rate after lung transplantation has increased in recent years, leading to an increase in non-pulmonary conditions that require surgical intervention. These post-transplant surgical procedures, however, are associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Intra-abdominal conditions are the most common reasons for surgical intervention. We describe here two patients who underwent abdominal surgery under general anesthesia following lung transplantation. One patient underwent cholecystectomy due to cholecystitis after heart-lung transplantation, and the other patient had an exploratory laparotomy for duodenal ulcer perforation after double lung transplantation. Depending on the type of transplant intervention, the physiology of the transplanted lung must be considered for general anesthesia. Knowledge of underlying conditions and immunosuppressive therapy following transplantation are important for safe and effective general anesthesia.

Experience of three cases of heart-lung transplantation / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To summarize the successful experience of three cases of heart-lung transplantations performed in our institute.Methods From July 2003 to August 2012,three patients,with diagnosis of end-stage heart-lung diseases,received heart-lung transplantation in our institute.One case was diagnosed as congenital atrial septal defect,Eisenmanger syndrome,NYHA class Ⅳ; one was dilated cardiomyopathy with moderate/severe pulmonary arterial hypertension,NYHA class Ⅲ-Ⅳ,one was diagnosed as double outlet left ventricle (DOLV) with ventricle septal defect and stenosis of pulmonary artery and its left and right branches,NYHA class Ⅲ-Ⅳ.Donor hearts were preserved with UW solution,donor lungs were preserved with Euro-Collin solution in case one and with low potassium dextran containing prostaglandin E1 in the others.Extensive disinfection and strict scrutiny were implemented postoperatively.Immunosuppressive therapy included administration of zenapax or basiliximab preoperatively,methylprednisolone during the operation,and cyclosporine a/tacrolimus + prednisone + mycophenolate postoperatively.Surgical hemostasis is of great importance,as the total pleural effusion reaches 14 640 ml within 31 days postoperatively in case two.Strict postoperative disinfection and isolation were implemented,and management of the respiratory tract was intensified.Therapeutic bronchoscopy was performed frequently for sputum suction.In case two,bronchoscopy was used thirteen times within 40 days after transplantation.Broad-spectrum antibiotics and antifungal antibiotics were used for infection control.Results All three patients were discharged after recovery from operation.Case one died of obstructive bronchitis and lung failure caused by chronic rejection four years and ten months postoperatively.Case two died of sudden cerebrovascular accident 68 days after operation.Case three survives more than one year postoperatively so far and is still alive.Conclusion Proper preservation of the donor heart and lung,perfect surgical hemostasis,strict infection control,frequent application of bronchoscopy and appropriate immunosuppressive management are critical to the success of heart-lung transplantation.

Production and functional testing of polyurethane valve of the pediatric Luo-Ye pump / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The mechanical valves used in the adult Luo-Ye pump have a large size and great destruction to blood, which are not suitable for infant ventricular assist pump. Therefore, designing and producing a high molecular valve with smal size and low incidence of thrombosis is a research hotspot. OBJECTIVE:To design and produce a valve of 20 mL infant Luo-Ye pump, and to test its basic functions and fatigue properties. METHODS:The size and shape of valve was designed with MASTERCAM software, polyurethane valve was obtained through producing the valve model and plastic injection;the static leakage, pressure drop and fatigue resistance of polyurethane valve were tested according to the ISO5840 requirements. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The polyurethane trefoil valve was produced, but the failure rate of plastic injection was high;the basic function of the trefoil valve met the ISO5840 requirements bascial y;after continuously operated 1.0×107 times, stroke volume of 20 mL Luo-Ye pump was changed 5.2%, and two polyurethane valves and valve leaflets did not change and damage. Polyurethane trefoil valve was designed and produced successful y;polyurethane valves could meet the needs of 20 mL Luo-Ye pump, which already have the ability to clinical trials.

Improvement of a rat lung transplantation model / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Orthotopic lung transplantation model in a rat is the key to investigate the chronic rejection after lung transplantation. However, the precise surgical technique and difficult operation limit the application of the model. OBJECTIVE:To improve the process of anesthesia and lung transplantation, and to establish a rapid, safe and reversible rat lung transplantation model. METHODS:A total of 42 rats were used to establish the model, including 21 donor models and 21 receptor models. The donor lung was excised by median sternotomy with dissection of the left lung and implantation of cuffs (intravenous catheters cut into 1.5 mm sections). The left lung was implanted in the recipient by lateral thoracotomy using the cuffs for anastomoses. The duration of surgery and success rate of transplantation were recorded and calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The survival rate of rats after lung transplantation was 100%. The time of left donor lung extraction was (35.3±5.1) minutes in average. The time of placing cuff in donor lung was (12.5±4.6) minutes in average. The surgical procedure time of recipient was (50.2±3.3) minutes. The time of arteriovenous and bronchus casing anastomosis was (27.7±6.2) minutes. After pulmonary artery and vein blood flow was disparked, the whole lung turned red rapidly, blood perfusion was sufficient, venous returned unimpeded;after mechanical ventilation resumed, al graft lungs expanded wel . This improved anesthesia and lung transplantation technique in rats can provide a valid, reliable and reproducible animal model for studying immune responses and rejection in lung transplantation.

Preservation of donor's heart and lung and discrimination and postoperative immunotherapy of graft rejection: a report of 2 cases of heart-lung transplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To summarize the preservation measures of the donor's heart and lung, and the postoperative immunotherapy, as well as the clinical experience of discrimination and management for graft rejection.Methods The clinical data of 2 cases of heart-lung transplantation in our department were retrospectively analyzed. Two different protective liquids were used for donor's lung lavage of 2 cases: Perfadx solution (1000 mL containing tris 0.3 mL and ilomedin 25 μg); Euro Collins solution (1000 mL containing tris 0.3 mL and PGE1 100 μg). UW solution was used for donor's heart lavage. Surgical procedure for heart-lung transplantation was classic technique in situ. The schedule of immunosuppression was induced by Basiliximab, and combined with cyclosporine+ mycophemolate mofeil+corcal hommone after operation. recipient's blood count, organ's functions, the sizes of every cavity of heart, IVSPW and LVPW were observed during early post-operation. The recipients were subjected to chest CT scan, fiberoptic bronchoscope and tissue pathological study when necessary to find the signs of rejection promptly. When the rejection occurred in the recipient, cortical hormone's impulse therapy was given and the dose of immunosuppression was adjusted in time.Results Two patients discharged in 80 days and 141 days after operation. The patients were followed up for 54 months and 50 months respectively, and their life qualities were very well. Acute rejections occurred on the 10th and 26th day in one case, and in another case, acute rejections occurred on the 29th and 87th day after operation. All were conversed by cortical hormone's impulse therapy and adjusting the dose of immunosuppressants. When acute rejection occurred, the blood count had significant change, and IVSPW and LVPW were increases. They were returned the normal range after corresponding therapy.Conclusion Perfidx solution and Euro-Collin solution may play good protective roles for donor's lungs. UW solution may play good a protective role for donor's heart. To discriminate the clinical graft rejection and infection in time and administrate correct management will have large benefits for the patients' rehabilitation.

Evaluation of cardiopulmonary allograft function for a combined heart-lung transplantation patient survived 5 years / 复旦学报（医学版）

Objective To evaluate the cardiopulmonary allograft function and to analyze key factors for long-term survival of heart-lung transplantation in a patient survived more than 5 years. Methods On December 17th, 2003 at Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, a homologous heart-lung transplantation was performed on a female who diagnosed with cardiopulmonary failure secondary to congenital atrial septal defect with severe pulmonary hypertension. Heart-lung allograft was preserved with 1 000 mL UW solution and 4 000 mL HTK solution.Postoperative immunosuppressive therapies were managed with Zenapax, cyclosporine A (or tacrolimus), mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids. Cyclosporine A maintained with serum trough levels of 100-200 μg/L and tacrolimus with serum trough levels of 8-20 μg/L. Cardiopulmonary allograft functions were evaluated by echocardiogram, pulmonary function test and thoracic CT periodically. Results The patient survived operation and experienced normal daily life with NYHA cardiac function of class Ⅰ-Ⅱ during the follow-up of 5 years and 6 months. Echocardiogram showed left ventricular ejection fraction of 65% to 86%. Pulmonary function test exhibited with nearly normal oxygen exchange, meanwhile, small airway obstruction was detected from one year after operation and keeping stable from then on. Two episodes of severe pneumonia were complicated and treated with antibiotics and fhconazob, no severe acute allograft rejection episode was experienced. Conclusions Heart-lung transplantation proves to be a reliable therapy modality for terminal cardiopulmonary failure. Excellent donor organ preservation, accurate balance of the risk between acute allograft rejection and infection, and strict preventive measures against infection are key factors for long-term survival of heart-lung transplantation.

Heart-Lung Transplantation in Korea

Heart-lung transplantation is an effective treatment for patients with various forms of congenital heart disease or pulmonary hypertension. Since the first heart-lung transplantation in 1997, five transplants have been performed in Korea. Three cases were performed in 1997, one in 1998, and the latest one in 2002. The preoperative diagnoses were complex congenital heart disease (CHD) in 2, and CHD with Eisenmenger's syndrome in 3. In this paper, we report five cases of heart-lung transplantation performed in Korea, and include a review of the relevant literature.

Heart-lung transplantation for 4 patients with Eisenmenger’s syndrome / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To summarize the experience of heart-lung transplantation.Methods Four patients with Eisenmenger’s syndrome underwent heart-lung homoplastic transplantation. All patients were complicated with severe pulmonary hypertension in New York Heart Association ( NYHA ) functional class IV. Cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass consisted of a cannula in the high ascending aorta and separate vena caval cannulas. The heart-lung graft was moved into the chest, beginning with passage of the lung before the phrenic nerve pedicle. The bronchus was trimmed, leaving two cartilaginous rings proximal to the orifice of the upper lobe. The tracheal anastomosis was performed with a continuous 4-0 polypropylene suture, with the posterior portion continuously and anterior interrupted. The lungs were then ventilated (

Heart-lung homoplastic transplantation:a report of one case / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective: To report a case of heart-lung transplantation was performed in our hospital for rescue a patient suffering from congenital heart disease (ASD) with Eisenmenger's syndrome and advancing cardiac failure in July, 2003. Methods: Heart-lung homoplastic transplantation was performed under general anesthesia, moderate hypothermia and complete cardiopulmonary bypass. Results: The operation was successful. The heart rebeated automatically. Hemadynamics was stable. The patient became conscious 60 min postoperatively. The extubation was done 36 hours after operation. There were no hemorrhage, graft rejection, and infectious complications. Up to now, the patient has been living for 120 days. Conclusion: Choice of appropriate donor, emphasizing preservation techniques, and perioperation treatment may be lifesaving.

Gastric Ulcer Perforation in Heart-Lung Transplant Patient: A Successful Case of Early Surgical Intervention and Management

Gastrointestinal complications may follow organ transplantation. A patient who underwent heart lung transplantation due to patent ductus arteriosus and Eisenmenger's syndrome had an episode of acute cardiac rejection and was treated with a bolus injection of methylprednisolone followed by a high oral dose of prednisone. On the 22nd postoperative day, the patient complained of acute abdominal pain with muscular rigidity and a plain chest x-ray showed free air in the right subdiaphragmatic area. Under the suspicion of bowel perforation, an emergency laparotomy was performed and the perforated stomach had a wedge-shaped resection that included the perforation. Following the laparotomy, the postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on post-laparotomy day 10.

Heart-Lung Transplantation in a Patient with VSD, PDA and Eisenmenger's Syndrome / 대한흉부외과학회지

Heart-lung transplantation is a widely accepted treatment for Eisenmenger's syndrome. The patient is a 41-years-old male diagnosed with Eisenmenger's syndrome due to patent ductus arteriosus. The pressures were checked as follows: aorta 130/80 mean 100 mmHg, pulmonary artery 130/80 mean 109 mmHg, and right ventricle 130/20 mmHg, right atrium mean 20 mmHg. The patient needed heart-lung transplantation due to enlarged right pulmonary artery (diameter 7.5 cm). The donor was a 24 years-old male diagnosed as brain death due to subdural hematoma. Ligation of patent ductus arteriosus was performed under the cardiopulmonary bypass followed by heart-lung transplantation. Patient was extubated on postoperative day one, transferred to the general ward on day 3, and was discharged on postoperative day 33. Cardiac and lung biopsy was performed on postoperative day 41 with no signs of rejection.

Analysis of Complications of Lung and Heart- Lung Transplantations / 대한이식학회지

PURPOSE: The lung and heart-lung transplantation is a life-saving procedure for end stage lung disease with or without congenital heart disease. The risk of infection and rejection is higher than other solid organ transplantations, and this study is to analyze the complications and its outcome in order to improve patient management and long term survival following lung and heart-lung transplantation. METHODS: We have performed five lung transplantations and one heart-lung transplantation between July 1996 to December 2002 and we retrospectively reviewed medical records and analyzed early and late complications. RESULTS: Total of 6 patients (4 male and 2 female) with mean age of 48.2 years old (range, 34~59) underwent transplantation. Emphysematous lung disease was the most common indication (3 patients-50%), followed by one case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 2 cases of Eisemmenger's syndrome. Four early complications occurred in 3 patients: one case each of CVA, prolonged air leak, acute heart rejection, and ulcer perforation. Seven late complications occurred in 6 patients: one case each of aspergillosis infection, pulmonary tuberculosis, post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease, CMV gastritis, pneumonia, and gastric ulcer bleding. CONCLUSION: Prompt detection of complications necessitating surgical interventions following thoracic organ transplantation is important for prolonged survival.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Airway Complication After Heart-lung Transplantation / 中国医师杂志

Objective To sum up the diagnosis and treatment of airway complication after heart-lung transplantation. Methods One patient who occurred dyspnea, cough and wheeze at the 200th day after heart-lung transplantation, was diagnosed suffering from anastomosis stenosis. Comprehensive multimodality approach such as rigid bronchoscopic debridement and laser photoresection were performed. Eventually, this case was surgically managed with sleeve resection of stenotic bronchial segment. Results Surgical operation by sleeve resection of stenotic segment was successful, and the patient's symptoms disappeared. Till now the patient has been living more than 14 months after transplant, and CT scanning and fibrous bronchoscopy examination showed that the anastomasis healed well. Conclusion Airway complication's early recognition and proper management could improve the patients symptoms and survival rate.