Lung transplantation. Hypothermic storage for 24 hours in a colloid hyperosmolar solution.

We studied the effects of a colloid hypersomolar solution in perservation of lungs for transplantation in dogs. Fresh allografts were compared to lungs stored (4 to 7 degrees C), in Ringer's lactate for 3 hours and in modified silica gel function (MSGF) for 8, 16, and 24 hours before transplantation. Lungs preserved in Ringer's lactate for 3 hours were significantly damaged, and there were no long-term survivors in recipient dogs (1.2 +/- 0.4) (mean +/- S.E.). In contrast, the recipients of lungs preserved in MSGF for periods of up to 24 hours stored MSGF grafts = 10.5 +/- 3.1 days, survival, mean +/- S.E. Fresh Ringer's lactate grafts = 8.5 +/- 2.3 days, mean +/- S.E.; Fresh MSGF grafts = 13.6 +/- 3.8 days, mean +/- S.E.). Arterial blood gas measurements and chest roentgenograms were good methods of assessting the condition of preserved lung allografts. No significant differences were observed between the fresh and MSGF-preserved grafts. Pneumonia and rejection were the most frequent causes of death for both the fresh and MSGF-preserved allograft recipients. We demonstrate that a calloid hyperosmolar solution (MGSF) is a good method for 24 hours hypothermic storage of lung allografts for transplantation.