Scientists Revive Impaired Lungs for Transplant in Astounding Test

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Researchers claimed, based on their study finding, a transplant patient awaiting lung 'has the chance to resuscitate one for himself.'

Recently, six lungs were reportedly taken from brain-dead patients and offered to transplant surgeons. However, at leading medical centers, a surgeon rejected the offer after the refusal of another colleague.

The said lungs were said to be "impaired, soggy and swollen," and they had fluid. Specifically, according to reports, 80 percent of the organs offered for transplant had just gone quite far for the surgery.

However, Columbia and Vanderbilt's researchers saw an opportunity in what the surgeon who rejected the organs saw a chance in them. For eight years, the said researchers had worked on a system to revive damaged lungs.

The scientists placed each of the lungs in a plastic box and had it attached to a respirator to let it breathe. Following the procedure, the researchers had each organ connected to "a large vein" using a live pig's neck for its blood to flow through the vessels.

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Results, Seemingly a Pure Science Fiction

Test findings, science, and medicine field reports indicated seemed like "pure science fiction" in which in 24 hours, the lungs appeared workable, and laboratory exams validated that "they had been revived."

Now, the study authors are considering the use of humans in their test instead of a pig. Reports said researchers would attach the lung "to a respirator in the patient" through a large catheter inserted in his neck.

They then had the lung attached to the respirator in the room. Researchers claimed that a patient waiting for his lung transplant has a high chance of reviving one for himself based on their study finding.

The procedure mentioned is nowhere almost ready for regular and repetitive employment. However, others not connected to the research said such results were impressive.

Possibly an Acceptable Procedure

Surgical Director of the lung transplant center at New York University Langone Medical Center, Dr. Zachary Kon said he would also consider doing the procedure. 

"It is a transformative idea," Kon explained, that would allow a significant move ahead in the field of medicine.

Meanwhile, according to lung transplant surgeon Dr. David Roe from Indiana University, the procedure "is all on the outer cusp." However, the doctor said he does not think of the method as impossible. "It all makes sense," added Dr. Roe.

To date, there is an immediate need for more lungs for transplant. Even though more than 2,500 lung transplants had already been performed in the US in 2018, over 3,100 patients had been added to the waiting list. On top of that, more than 360 patients died. They waited a long or turned very ill to have the surgery. 

Health experts said this pandemic could have possibly increased the particular need. Severely sick people may suffer enduring lung impairment. In relation to this, the first such patient undergoing a "double transplant" was reported last month.

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Who are Qualified to Undergo Lung Transplant?

Eligibility criteria to be included in the list of patients who undergo lung transplants are strict since there is a limit in supply.

Specifically, the majority of medical centers have ruled outpatients who are 70 years old and above. Also, not qualified are those who are frail. More so, even if an individual is young, he is not eligible for the transplant if failing lungs lead his frailty.

Lead author of the new paper, Dr. Matthew Baccheta said, if there could be an expansion of the pool of donors, then, deaths of those in the waiting list could be avoided. 

Baccheta added, patients might undergo lung transplants as well, while still relatively healthy. But as it stands at present, he said, "If you are very sick going into transplant," one is more likely to be severely ill, too, going out.

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