Overview

• The hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) protocol preserves donor lungs for up to 20 hours, surpassing the limits of traditional cold storage methods.
• Clinical data from 12 HOPE cases showed no graft rejections and short-term outcomes comparable to 118 historical controls without ex vivo perfusion.
• The protocol combines one hour of normothermic EVLP for lung assessment with continuous hypothermic perfusion at 12°C, eliminating the need for repeated ice storage.
• Extended preservation windows allow for daytime transplant surgeries, reducing logistical challenges and potential surgical fatigue.
• Future research will focus on tailoring preservation strategies to specific donor lung characteristics and exploring therapeutic interventions during extended perfusion.