A National Resource Sharing Program Is Feasible Even in Challenging Lung Recoveries.

Background: Mobile ex vivo lung perfusion (mEVLP) allows transportation of lung allografts while maintaining ventilation and perfusion and has demonstrated safety and efficacy with the potential to expand organ utilization. A nationwide organ recovery service has been implemented to provide surgical expertise for recovery alongside mEVLP transportation services.

Methods: We reviewed patients at our institution who underwent lung transplantation with donor lungs procured with this program.

Induction and maintenance immunosuppression in lung transplantation.

Immunosuppression for lung transplant recipients is a critical part of post-transplant care, to prevent acute and chronic rejection. Treatment protocols consist of induction and maintenance immunotherapy. Induction agents provide an immediate state of immunosuppression following transplantation and over time, and their use has become more commonplace.

Combination plate and band fixation for primary closure in bilateral lung transplantation.

Background: Sternal complications are common following transverse thoracosternotomy in patients undergoing bilateral lung transplantation. We present a single-institution experience using a next generation rigid fixation system for primary sternal closure following transverse sternotomy for bilateral lung transplantation.

Methods: Retrospective review was performed on all patients who had bilateral sequential lung transplants utilizing a transverse thoracosternotomy from 2016 to 2020.

ATS Core Curriculum 2020. Adult Pulmonary Medicine.

The American Thoracic Society Core Curriculum updates clinicians annually in adult and pediatric pulmonary disease, medical critical care, and sleep medicine in a 3- to 4-year recurring cycle of topics. The topics of the 2020 Pulmonary Core Curriculum include pulmonary vascular disease (submassive pulmonary embolism, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary hypertension) and pulmonary infections (community-acquired pneumonia, pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria, opportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts, and coronavirus disease [COVID-19]).

A Novel Diagnostic Algorithm for Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a Retrospective Cohort of Lung Transplant Recipients.

Introduction: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is characterized by thrombocytopenia and potential for thromboembolism. Lung transplant recipients are at risk of developing HIT due to heparin exposure peritransplant. We describe the incidence and impact of HIT in lung transplant recipient index hospital length of stay and survival.

Activity monitors in pulmonary disease.

Physical activity is reduced in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases. Activity monitors can measure physical activity objectively and accurately over prolonged periods of time. Research grade and commercially available devices, using accelerometer technology, are being increasingly used in clinical studies.

Development of a modified yoga program for pulmonary hypertension: a case series.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a hemodynamic condition in which the pressure in the bed of the pulmonary arteries is elevated. Although medications have improved both symptoms and mortality, PH remains a debilitating and devastating disease. Little is known about the effects of nonpharmacologic approaches, such as yoga and meditative breathing, in treatment of the disease.