A Multi-Center International Analysis of Lung Transplantation Outcomes in Patients With COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Lung transplantation has become increasingly utilized in patients with COVID-19. While several single-center and UNOS database studies have been published on lung transplants (LTs) for end-stage lung disease (ESLD) from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there is a lack of multi-center and international data. METHODS: This is a multicenter analysis from 11 high-volume lung transplant centers in the United States and Europe. Data were collected through the Multi-Institutional ECLS Registry and stratified by ESLD due to COVID-19 versus other etiologies. Demographics and clinical variables were compared using Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves and compared by log-rank test with propensity score matching. RESULTS: Of 1606 lung transplant recipients, 46 (2.9%) were transplanted for ESLD from COVID-19 compared to 1560 (97.1%) without a history of COVID-19. Among COVID-19 patients, 30 (65.2%) had COVID-19-associated ARDS and 16 (34.8%) had post-COVID-19 fibrosis. COVID-19 patients had higher lung allocation scores (78.0 vs. 44.4, p < 0.0001), had severely limited functional status (37.0% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.0001), had higher preoperative ECMO usage (65.2% vs. 5.4%, p < 0.0001), and spent less time on the waitlist (32 vs. 137 days, p < 0.0001). A 30-day survival was comparable between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients before (100% vs. 98.7%, p = 0.39) and after propensity matching (p = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received LTs due to COVID-19 had short-term survival comparable to that of patients without COVID-19. Our findings support the idea that lung transplantation should be considered for select patients with ESLD due to COVID-19.

Hypothermic oxygenated perfusion of the donor heart in heart transplantation: the short-term outcome from a randomised, controlled, open-label, multicentre clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Static cold storage (SCS) remains the gold standard for preserving donor hearts before transplantation but is associated with ischaemia, anaerobic metabolism, and organ injuries, leading to patient morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate whether continuous, hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) of the donor heart is safe and superior compared with SCS. METHODS: We performed a multinational, multicentre, randomised, controlled, open-label clinical trial with a superiority design at 15 transplant centres across eight European countries. Adult candidates for heart transplantation were eligible and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio. Donor inclusion criteria were age 18-70 years with no previous sternotomy and donation after brain death. In the treatment group, the preservation protocol involved the use of a portable machine perfusion system ensuring HOPE of the resting donor heart. The donor hearts in the control group underwent ischaemic SCS according to standard practices. The primary outcome was time to first event of a composite of either cardiac-related death, moderate or severe primary graft dysfunction (PGD) of the left ventricle, PGD of the right ventricle, acute cellular rejection at least grade 2R, or graft failure (with use of mechanical circulatory support or re-transplantation) within 30 days after transplantation. We included all patients who were randomly assigned, fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria, and received a transplant in the primary analysis and all patients who were randomly assigned and received a transplant in the safety analyses. This trial was registered with ClicalTrials.gov (NCT03991923) and is ongoing. FINDINGS: A total of 229 patients were enrolled between Nov 25, 2020, and May 19, 2023. The primary analysis population included 204 patients who received a transplant. There were no patients who received a transplant lost to follow-up. All 100 donor hearts preserved with HOPE were transplantable after perfusion. The primary endpoint was registered in 19 (19%) of 101 patients in the HOPE group and 31 (30%) of 103 patients in the SCS group, corresponding to a risk reduction of 44% (hazard ratio 0·56; 95% CI 0·32-0·99; log-rank test p=0·059). PGD was the primary outcome event in 11 (11%) patients in the HOPE group and 29 (28%) in the SCS group (risk ratio 0·39; 95% CI 0·20-0·73). In the HOPE group, 63 (65%) patients had a reported serious adverse event (158 events) versus 87 (70%; 222 events) in the SCS group. Major adverse cardiac transplant events were reported in 18 (18%) and 33 (32%) patients in the HOPE and SCS group (risk ratio 0·56; 95% CI 0·34-0·92). INTERPRETATION: Although there was not a significant difference in the primary endpoint, the 44% risk reduction associated with HOPE was suggested to be a clinically meaningful benefit. Post-transplant complications, measured as major adverse cardiac transplant events, were reduced. Analysis of secondary outcomes suggested that HOPE was beneficial in reducing primary graft dysfunction. HOPE in donor heart preservation addresses the existing challenges associated with graft preservation and the increasing complexity of donors and heart transplantation recipients. Future investigation will help to further elucidate the benefit of HOPE. FUNDING: XVIVO Perfusion.

Sutureless Aortic Valve Replacement with Perceval Bioprosthesis Superior to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Promising Option for the Gray-Zone of Aortic Valve Replacement Procedures-A State-of-the-Art Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Future Directions.

Background: The management of patients with aortic valve pathologies can sometimes fall into a "gray zone", where the optimal treatment approach is not straightforward. The comparative benefits of sutureless aortic valve replacement (SUAVR) using the Perceval bioprosthesis versus transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for the "gray zone" of aortic valve replacement procedures remain a topic of debate. To further explore this issue, we conducted a study with pairwise, single-arm, and Kaplan-Meier-based meta-analyses to compare the outcomes of SUAVR with the Perceval bioprosthesis versus TAVI, as well as to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and durability of SUAVR with the Perceval bioprosthesis over mid-term and long-term follow-up periods. Methods: The PubMed, PubMed Central, OVID Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched. All study types were included, except study protocols and animal studies, without time restrictions. The final search was carried out in May 2024. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) rates between the two groups. SUAVR showed a lower incidence of new-onset myocardial infarction but was associated with higher rates of new-onset atrial fibrillation and major bleeding. TAVI had higher rates of left bundle branch block and major vascular complications. Conclusions: Our findings show that SUAVR has a lower incidence of complications and a favorable mid-term overall survival compared to TAVI. SUAVR has more advantages compared to TAVI and can be considered a valuable and promising option for the "grey zone" of aortic valve pathologies.

Minimally Invasive Surgery through Right Mini-Thoracotomy for Mitral Valve Infective Endocarditis: Contraindicated or Safely Possible?

Background: Mitral valve infective endocarditis (IE) still has a high mortality. Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) is technically more challenging, especially in patients with endocarditis. Here, we compare the early postoperative outcome of patients with endocarditis and other indications for MIMVS. Methods: Two groups were formed, one consisting of patients who underwent surgery because of mitral valve endocarditis (IE group: n = 75) and the other group consisting of patients who had another indication for MIMVS (non-IE group: n = 862). Patients were observed for 30 postoperative days. Data were retrospectively reviewed and collected from January 2011 to September 2023. Results: Patients from the IE group were younger (60 vs. 68 years; p < 0.001) and had a higher preoperative history of stroke (26% vs. 6%; p < 0.001) with neurological symptoms (26% vs. 9%; p < 0.001). No difference was seen in overall surgery time (211 vs. 206 min; p = 0.71), time on cardiopulmonary bypass (137 vs. 137 min; p = 0.42) and aortic clamping time (76 vs. 78 min; p = 0.42). Concerning postoperative data, the IE group had a higher requirement of erythrocyte transfusion (2 vs. 0; p = 0.041). But no difference was seen in the need for a mitral valve redo procedure, bleeding, postoperative stroke, cerebral bleeding, new-onset dialysis, overall intubation time, sepsis, pacemaker implantation, wound healing disorders and 30-day mortality. Conclusions: Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery in patients with mitral valve endocarditis is feasible and safe. Infective endocarditis should not be considered as a contraindication for MIMVS.

Hypothermic Ventricular Fibrillation in Redo Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery: A Promising Solution for a Surgical Challenge.

Background: Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) is a treatment for severe mitral valve pathologies. In redo cases, especially after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery with patent mammary bypass grafts, establishing aortic clamping followed by antegrade cardioplegia application might be challenging. Here, we present the outcome of hypothermic ventricular fibrillation as an alternative to conventional cardioprotection. Methods: Patients who underwent MIMVS either received hypothermic ventricular fibrillation (study group, n = 48) or antegrade cardioprotection (control group, n = 840) and were observed for 30 postoperative days. Data were retrospectively analyzed and collected from January 2011 until December 2022. Results: Patients in the study group had a higher preoperative prevalence of renal insufficiency (p = 0.001), extracardiac arteriopathy (p = 0.001), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (p = 0.001) and chronic lung disease (p = 0.036). Furthermore, they had a longer surgery time and a lower repair rate (p < 0.001). No difference, however, was seen in postoperative incidences of stroke (p = 0.26), myocardial infarction (p = 1) and mitral valve re-operation (p = 1) as well as 30-day mortality (p = 0.1) and postoperative mitral valve insufficiency or stenosis. Conclusions: The patients who underwent redo MIMVS with hypothermic ventricular fibrillation did not have worse outcomes or more serious adverse events compared to the patients who received routine conventional cardioprotection. Therefore, the use of hypothermic ventricular fibrillation appears to be a promising cardioprotective technique in this challenging patient population requiring redo MIMVS.

Unlocking the Future: Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Lung Repair.

The human respiratory system is susceptible to a variety of diseases, ranging from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Today, lung diseases represent one of the major challenges to the health care sector and represent one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Current treatment options often focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause of the disease. The limitations of conventional therapies highlight the urgent clinical need for innovative solutions capable of repairing damaged lung tissue at a fundamental level. Pluripotent stem cell technologies have now reached clinical maturity and hold immense potential to revolutionize the landscape of lung repair and regenerative medicine. Meanwhile, human embryonic (HESCs) and human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be coaxed to differentiate into lung-specific cell types such as bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells, or pulmonary endothelial cells. This holds the promise of regenerating damaged lung tissue and restoring normal respiratory function. While methods for targeted genetic engineering of hPSCs and lung cell differentiation have substantially advanced, the required GMP-grade clinical-scale production technologies as well as the development of suitable preclinical animal models and cell application strategies are less advanced. This review provides an overview of current perspectives on PSC-based therapies for lung repair, explores key advances, and envisions future directions in this dynamic field.

Individual patient data meta-analysis on awake pediatric extracorporeal life support: Feasibility and safety of analgesia, sedation and respiratory support weaning, and physiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Awake Extracorporeal Life Support (aECLS) with active mobilization has gained consensus over time, also within the pediatric community. This individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis summarizes available evidence on pediatric aECLS, its feasibility, and safety regarding sedation weaning, extubation, and physiotherapy. METHODS: PubMed/Medline and Cochrane Database were screened until February 2022. Articles reporting on children (≤18 years) undergoing aECLS were selected. IPD were requested, pooled in a single database, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes included extubation during ECLS, physiotherapy performed, tracheostomy, and complications. RESULTS: Nineteen articles and 65 patients (males:n = 30/59,50.8%) were included. Age ranged from 2 days to 17 years. ECLS configurations included veno-venous (n = 42/65, 64.6%), veno-arterial (n = 18/65, 27.7%) and other ECLS settings (n = 5/65, 7.7%). Exclusive neck cannulation was performed in 51/65 (78.5%) patients. Extubation or tracheostomy during ECLS was reported in 66.2% (n = 43/65) and 27.7% (n = 18/65) of patients, respectively. Physiotherapy was reported as unspecified physical activity (n = 34/63, 54%), mobilization in bed (n = 15/63, 23.8%), ambulation (n = 14/63, 22.2%). Complications were reported in 60.3% (n = 35/58) of patients, including hemorrhagic (36.2%), mechanical (17.2%), or pulmonary (17.2%) issues, and need for reintubation (15.5%). Survival at discharge was 81.5% (n = 53/65). CONCLUSION: Awake ECLS strategy with active physiotherapy can be applied in children from neonatal age. Ambulation is also possible in selected cases. Complications related to such management were limited. Further studies on aECLS are needed to evaluate safety and efficacy of early physiotherapy and define patient selection.

Oversizing lung allografts deteriorates outcomes in patients with pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Lung transplantation is the only curative treatment for patients with end-stage pulmonary fibrosis. It is still under debate whether over- or undersizing of lung allografts is preferably performed regarding the postoperative outcome. We therefore analyzed our data using predicted total lung capacity to compare size mismatches. METHODS: Patient records were retrospectively reviewed. Three groups were formed, 1 including patients with a donor-recipients pTLC ratio (DRPR) of <1.0 (undersized group), the second with a DRPR of ≥1.0 and <1.1 (size-matched group), and the third group with a DRPR of ≥1.1 (oversized group). Outcomes were evaluated using chi-square test and Kruskall-Wallis test as well as Kaplan-Meier analysis, competing risk analysis, and multivariable analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Between January 2010 and May 2023, among the 1501 patients transplanted at our institution, 422 (28%) patients were included, 26 (2%) patients forming the oversized group (median DRPR: 1.14), 101 (7%) patients forming the size-matched group (median DRPR: 1.03), and 296 (20%) patients forming the undersized group (median DRPR: 0.92). Patients from the oversized group had a higher PGD grade 3 rate at 24 (p < 0.001), 48 (p < 0.001), and 72 (p = 0.039) hours after transplantation as well as a higher in-hospital mortality compared to the undersized group (p = 0.033). The long-term survival was also better in the undersized group compared to the oversized group (p = 0.011) and to the size-matched group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Oversizing lung allografts more than 10% deteriorated early postoperative outcomes and long-term survival in patients with pulmonary fibrosis.

Anterior mitral leaflet laceration using the MitraCut technique for transapical transcatheter Tendyne implantation after unsuccessful Carillon indirect annuloplasty: a case report.

Background: The introduction of a transapical transcatheter beating heart replacement system has significantly expanded therapeutic options for patients with severely diseased mitral valves, particularly those ineligibles for traditional surgery or transcatheter repair. However, challenges, such as left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOT-O) and the risk of dynamic systolic anterior motion (SAM) in cases with elongated anterior mitral leaflet (AML) post-prosthesis implantation, impede the widespread adoption of transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR). Case summary: In 2022, a 75-year-old male with severe mixed-genesis mitral regurgitation (MR) underwent Carillon Mitral Contour System annuloplasty. Recurrent heart failure admissions (New York Heart Association IV) and prohibitive risk for open-heart surgery (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II 8.27%) prompted evaluation for Tendyne TMVR with the MitraCut technique. This beating heart transapical approach involved scissor-mediated splitting of the elongated 27 mm AML, essential for mitigating LVOT-O risk and dynamic SAM. The screening echocardiogram revealed the poorly tethered AML near the thickened septum at the simulated neo-LVOT site. Discussion: This case underscores the intricate management challenges associated with severe MR, highlighting the successful application of the MitraCut technique as a viable alternative in high-risk scenarios. The imperative for further research and clinical studies is emphasized to comprehensively elucidate outcomes and safety parameters, providing valuable insights for refining TMVR applications within this context.

Multilamellated Basement Membranes in the Capillary Network of Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia.

A minimal diffusion barrier is key to the pulmonary gas exchange. In alveolar capillary dysplasia (ACD), a rare genetically driven disease of early infancy, this crucial fibrovascular interface is compromised while the underlying pathophysiology is insufficiently understood. Recent in-depth analyses of vascular alterations in adult lung disease encouraged researchers to extend these studies to ACD and compare the changes of the microvasculature. Lung tissue samples of children with ACD (n = 12), adults with non-specific interstitial pneumonia (n = 12), and controls (n = 20) were studied using transmission electron microscopy, single-gene sequencing, immunostaining, exome sequencing, and broad transcriptome profiling. In ACD, pulmonary capillary basement membranes were hypertrophied, thickened, and multilamellated. Transcriptome profiling revealed increased CDH5, COL4A1, COL15A1, PTK2B, and FN1 and decreased VIT expression, confirmed by immunohistochemistry. In contrast, non-specific interstitial pneumonia samples showed a regular basement membrane architecture with preserved VIT expression but also increased COL15A1+ vessels. This study provides insight into the ultrastructure and pathophysiology of ACD. The lack of normally developed lung capillaries appeared to cause a replacement by COL15A1+ vessels, a mechanism recently described in interstitial lung disease. The VIT loss and FN1 overexpression might contribute to the unique appearance of basement membranes in ACD. Future studies are needed to explore the therapeutic potential of down-regulating the expression of FN1 and balancing VIT deficiency.

CD14highCD16+ monocytes are the main producers of Interleukin-10 following clinical heart transplantation.

Introduction: Following heart transplantation, a cascade of immunological responses is initiated influencing the clinical outcome and long-term survival of the transplanted patients. The anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) was shown to be elevated in the blood of heart transplant recipients directly after transplantation but the releasing cell populations and the composition of lymphocyte subsets following transplantation have not been thoroughly studied. Methods: We identified immune cells by immunophenotyping and analyzed intracellular IL-10 production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of heart transplanted patients (n= 17) before, directly after and 24h post heart transplantation. The cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or PMA/Ionomycin to enhance cytokine production within leukocytes in vitro. Results and discussion: We demonstrate that intermediate monocytes (CD14highCD16+), but not CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD56+ NK cells or CD20+ B cells appeared to be the major IL-10 producers within patients PBMC following heart transplantation. Consequently, the absolute monocyte count and the ratio of intermediate monocytes to classical monocytes (CD14+CD16-) were specifically increased in comparison to pre transplant levels. Hence, this population of monocytes, which has not been in the focus of heart transplantation so far, may be an important modulator of clinical outcome and long-term survival of heart transplant recipients. Alteration of blood-circulating monocytes towards a CD14highCD16+ phenotype could therefore shift the pro-inflammatory immune response towards induction of graft tolerance, and may pave the way for the optimization of immunosuppression.

Free heme and hemopexin in acute kidney injury after cardiopulmonary bypass and transient renal ischemia.

Free heme is released from hemoproteins during hemolysis or ischemia reperfusion injury and can be pro-inflammatory. Most studies on nephrotoxicity of hemolysis-derived proteins focus on free hemoglobin (fHb) with heme as a prosthetic group. Measurement of heme in its free, non-protein bound, form is challenging and not commonly used in clinical routine diagnostics. In contrast to fHb, the role of free heme in acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery is unknown. Using an apo-horseradish peroxidase-based assay, we identified free heme during CPB surgery as predictor of AKI in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement (n = 37). Free heme levels during CPB surgery correlated with depletion of hemopexin (Hx), a heme scavenger-protein. In mice, the impact of high levels of circulating free heme on the development of AKI following transient renal ischemia and the therapeutic potential of Hx were investigated. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to bilateral renal ischemia/reperfusion injury for 15 min which did not cause AKI. However, additional administration of free heme in this model promoted overt AKI with reduced renal function, increased renal inflammation, and reduced renal perfusion on functional magnetic resonance imaging. Hx treatment attenuated AKI. Free heme administration to sham operated control mice did not cause AKI. In conclusion, free heme is a predictor of AKI in CPB surgery patients and promotes AKI in transient renal ischemia. Depletion of Hx in CPB surgery patients and attenuation of AKI by Hx in the in vivo model encourage further research on Hx therapy in patients with increased free heme levels during CPB surgery.

Pushing the boundaries of innovation: the potential of ex vivo organ perfusion from an interdisciplinary point of view.

Ex vivo machine perfusion (EVMP) is an emerging technique for preserving explanted solid organs with primary application in allogeneic organ transplantation. EVMP has been established as an alternative to the standard of care static-cold preservation, allowing for prolonged preservation and real-time monitoring of organ quality while reducing/preventing ischemia-reperfusion injury. Moreover, it has paved the way to involve expanded criteria donors, e.g., after circulatory death, thus expanding the donor organ pool. Ongoing improvements in EVMP protocols, especially expanding the duration of preservation, paved the way for its broader application, in particular for reconditioning and modification of diseased organs and tumor and infection therapies and regenerative approaches. Moreover, implementing EVMP for in vivo-like preclinical studies improving disease modeling raises significant interest, while providing an ideal interface for bioengineering and genetic manipulation. These approaches can be applied not only in an allogeneic and xenogeneic transplant setting but also in an autologous setting, where patients can be on temporary organ support while the diseased organs are treated ex vivo, followed by reimplantation of the cured organ. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the differences and similarities in abdominal (kidney and liver) and thoracic (lung and heart) EVMP, focusing on the organ-specific components and preservation techniques, specifically on the composition of perfusion solutions and their supplements and perfusion temperatures and flow conditions. Novel treatment opportunities beyond organ transplantation and limitations of abdominal and thoracic EVMP are delineated to identify complementary interdisciplinary approaches for the application and development of this technique.

Heart Transplantation in High-Risk Recipients Employing Donor Marginal Grafts Preserved With Ex-Vivo Perfusion.

Extending selection criteria to face donor organ shortage in heart transplantation (HTx) may increase the risk of mortality. Ex-vivo normothermic perfusion (EVP) limits ischemic time allowing assessment of graft function. We investigated the outcome of HTx in 80 high-risk recipients transplanted with marginal donor and EVP-preserved grafts, from 2016 to 2021. The recipients median age was 57 years (range, 13-75), with chronic renal failure in 61%, impaired liver function in 11% and previous cardiac surgery in 90%; 80% were mechanically supported. Median RADIAL score was 3. Mean graft ischemic time was 118 ± 25 min, "out-of-body" time 420 ± 66 min and median cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time 228 min (126-416). In-hospital mortality was 11% and ≥moderate primary graft dysfunction 16%. At univariable analysis, CPB time and high central venous pressure were risk factors for mortality. Actuarial survival at 1 and 3 years was 83% ± 4%, and 72% ± 7%, with a median follow-up of 16 months (range 2-43). Recipient and donor ages, pre-HTx extracorporeal life support and intra-aortic balloon pump were risk factors for late mortality. In conclusion, the use of EVP allows extension of the graft pool by recruitment of marginal donors to successfully perform HTx even in high-risk recipients.

Bilateral lung transplantation for pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension: perioperative management and one-year follow-up.

Background: Bilateral lung transplantation (LuTx) remains the only established treatment for children with end-stage pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Although PAH is the second most common indication for LuTx, little is known about optimal perioperative management and midterm clinical outcomes. Methods: Prospective observational study on consecutive children with PAH who underwent LuTx with scheduled postoperative VA-ECMO support at Hannover Medical School from December 2013 to June 2020. Results: Twelve patients with PAH underwent LuTx (mean age 11.9 years; age range 1.9-17.8). Underlying diagnoses included idiopathic (n = 4) or heritable PAH (n = 4), PAH associated with congenital heart disease (n = 2), pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (n = 1), and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (n = 1). The mean waiting time was 58.5 days (range 1-220d). Three patients were bridged to LuTx on VA-ECMO. Intraoperative VA-ECMO/cardiopulmonary bypass was applied and VA-ECMO was continued postoperatively in all patients (mean ECMO-duration 185 h; range 73-363 h; early extubation). The median postoperative ventilation time was 28 h (range 17-145 h). Echocardiographic conventional and strain analysis showed that 12 months after LuTx, all patients had normal biventricular systolic function. All PAH patients are alive 2 years after LuTx (median follow-up 53 months, range 26-104 months). Conclusion: LuTx in children with end-stage PAH resulted in excellent midterm outcomes (100% survival 2 years post-LuTx). Postoperative VA-ECMO facilitates early extubation with rapid gain of allograft function and sustained biventricular reverse-remodeling and systolic function after RV pressure unloading and LV volume loading.

Impact of total ischaemic time and disease severity class on graft function after bilateral lung transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Total ischaemic time (IT) is considered a limiting factor in lung transplantation. In this retrospective study, we investigate effects of IT and disease burden on outcomes after bilateral lung transplantation. METHODS: A total of 1298 patients undergoing bilateral lung transplantation between January 2010 and May 2022 (follow-up 100%, median 54 months) were included. Pre-transplant diseases' severity (recipient body mass index, recipient age, previous lung transplantation, Tacrolimus immunosuppression, preoperative recipient extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, lung volume reduction) for graft failure was individually calculated and-as IT-categorized. Vice versa adjusted Cox models were calculated. Considering competing risks, we assessed cumulative incidences of airway obstructive complications and chronic lung allograft dysfunction with death as competing risk factors for primary graft dysfunction were assessed by binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Higher disease burden significantly accelerated chronic lung allograft dysfunction and death occurrence (P < 0.001); IT did not. IT-adjusted disease burden strata showed 50% graft survival differences at 11 years after transplantation (range 24-74%), disease burden-adjusted IT strata 18% for all and 6% (54-60%) among those above 7 h. All significant primary graft dysfunction risk factors were diagnoses related, IT was not significantly important and odds ratios did not increase with IT. CONCLUSIONS: The eventual graft survival disadvantage that results from an IT between 7 and at least 11 h is negligible in contrast to frequent recipients' disease-based risk levels.

Lungs From Donors ≥70 Years of Age for Transplantation-Do Long-Term Outcomes Justify Their Use?

Donor shortages have led transplant centers to extend their criteria for lung donors. Accepting lung donors ≥70 years of age has previously shown good short-term outcomes; however, no mid- and long-term outcome data on these extended criteria donors has been published to date. In this study, all patients who underwent lung transplantation between 06/2010 and 12/2019 were included in the analysis, and the outcomes were compared between patients receiving organs from donors <70 years of age and patients transplanted with lungs from donors ≥70 years of age. Among the 1,168 lung-transplanted patients, 62 patients received lungs from donors ≥70 years of age. The recipient age of those receiving older organs was significantly higher, and they were more likely to suffer from obstructive lung disease. Older donors were exposed to significantly shorter periods of mechanical ventilation prior to donation, had higher Horowitz indices, and were less likely to have smoked. The postoperative time on mechanical ventilation, time on ICU, and total hospital stay were comparable. The overall survival as well as CLAD-free survival showed no differences between both groups in the follow-up period. Utilization of lungs from donors ≥70 years of age leads to excellent mid- and long-term results that are similar to organs from younger donors when the organs from older donors are carefully preselected.