Defining Novel Strategies for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Intraoperative Air Leaks Using an Ex-Vivo Human Lung Model

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying ways to detect, measure, and treat air leaks that happen during lung surgery. The goal is to reduce complications, problems after surgery, and hospital stays for patients who have lung tissue removed. This research uses human lungs removed during transplant surgeries to create a stable and effective lung model for testing these methods. The lungs from transplant patients will be kept in a special acrylic box at 37 degrees Celsius and mechanically ventilated through an inserted tube to simulate breathing. Different procedures will be performed, including creating air leaks by stapling or cutting the lung tissue. A novel bio-adhesive sealant will be applied to these leaks to test its ability to seal them. The seal will be checked using gas and water techniques, and air leaks will be measured using an automated drainage system. Participants will not be directly involved since the study uses removed lungs. Researchers will perform multiple procedures on the lungs, collect tissue samples, and take images to find the best model settings. Lung tissue temperature, blood vessel pressure, and other factors will be monitored. The main outcomes measured are detecting and localizing air leaks and reducing their size by 80% with the bio sealant. The study follows a 48-month timeline for these assessments, with all lung specimens processed according to transplant protocols after testing.

Air Leak Detection and Treatment