Novel Polymerized Human Serum Albumin For Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion

Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a method of organ preservation to expand the donor pool by allowing organ assessment and repair. Perfusion solution composition is crucial to maintaining and improving organ function during EVLP. EVLP compared perfusates supplemented with either polymeric human serum albumin (PolyHSA) or standard human serum albumin (HSA). Rat heart-lung blocks underwent normothermic EVLP (37?) for 120 minutes using perfusate with 4% HSA or 4% PolyHSA synthesized at a 50:1 or 60:1 molar ratio of glutaraldehyde to PolyHSA. Oxygen delivery, lung compliance, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), wet-to-dry ratio, and lung weight were measured. Perfusion solution type (HSA or PolyHSA) significantly impacted end-organ metrics. Oxygen delivery, lung compliance, and PVR were comparable among groups (P > 0.05). Wet-to-dry ratio increased in the HSA group compared to the PolyHSA groups (both P < 0.05) suggesting edema formation. Wet-to-dry ratio was most favorable in the 60:1 PolyHSA-treated lungs compared to HSA (P < 0.05). Compared to using HSA, PolyHSA significantly lessened lung edema. Our data confirm that the physical properties of perfusate plasma substitutes significantly impact oncotic pressure and the development of tissue injury and edema. Our findings demonstrate the importance of perfusion solutions and PolyHSA is an excellent candidate macromolecule to limit pulmonary edema.