In a breakthrough discovery, researchers at Lund University in Sweden have developed a new technique that could revolutionize lung transplants. Despite the shortage of available organs, their study shows that lungs can be successfully transplanted after being preserved outside the body for an extended period of time. The method involves placing the donated lungs in a sterile box and connecting them to a ventilator and oxygen supply, which allows the organs to remain viable for up to 36 hours.
This new approach could significantly increase the number of lung transplants performed worldwide, as it eliminates the time pressure associated with the surgery. With current methods, lungs need to be transplanted within a few hours of being removed from the donor, limiting the availability of suitable organs. By extending the preservation time, doctors would have more flexibility in finding the right match for patients in need.
Dr. Katarina Kornhall, the lead researcher of the study, emphasized that their findings have the potential to save many lives. Lung transplants are often the only viable solution for individuals suffering from severe respiratory illnesses, but the shortage of organs makes the procedure a challenging and time-sensitive endeavor. This breakthrough offers hope for those in need of a lung transplant, and further research will focus on refining and optimizing the preservation technique.
