An Experimental Study of Canine Isolated Double Lung Transplantation

The isolated double lung transplantation was performed in 8 adult mongrel dogs using transverse sternotomy in 6 and bilateral thoracotomy in 2 dogs. The first four dogs recieved donor lungs flushed with 4℃ UW solution. Isolated double lung transplantation was completed in 5 dogs ; in the other 3, procedure was not completed because of intraoperative cardiac arrest or massive bleeding. Two dogs with the double lung graft were sacrificed because of severe pulmonary edema, and 3 dogs died of cardiac failure 1 to 6 hours after the operation. We conclude that isolated double lung transplantation can be performed in dogs. However, survival time is limited because of progressive lung edema or cardiac failure