A STUDY ON CONTINUOUS LOW-FLOW PERFUSION WITH LOW-POTASSIUM DEXTRAN FOR DONOR ISOLATED LUNG PRESERVATION

Objective To test the validity of continuous low-flow perfusion with l ow-potassium dextran (LPD) to preserve rabbit lung. Methods Isolated r abbit lungs were preserved for eight hours either in Ringer's solution by simple storage (Group I) or in continuous low-flow perfusion with LPD (Group II). After preservation, lung functions were assessed to co mpare these two methods. Results The water gain in Group I was higher than that in Group II. During reperfusion, the functional test values for the immersed lungs were lower than those for the perfused lungs. T he lipid peroxidation product (MDA) was significantly decreased in per fused lungs during reperfusion. Conclusions Low-flow perfusion with LP D is better than immersion for the lung preservation.