In order to evaluate methods of preserving lungs for use in transplantation, experiments on 28 mongrel dogs were carried out. Two methods were tried-first, mechanical respiration of isolated lungs under deep hypothermia, with-the vascular bed filled with blood; and, secondly, the perfusion of isolated lungs with the aid of a modified DeWall's apparatus. Allogenic transplantations of lungs preserved in both ways were carried out. Gasometric and histological examinations of preserved lungs, before and after transplantation, were performed. The best results were obtained with perfusion under hypothermic conditions; ventilation without perfusion resulted in failure. Lung transplantation was successful when, after being preserved, the lung remained unchanged. Major discrepancies between the macroscopic and microscopic findings in preserved lungs were observed. An original classification of the changes occurring in preserved lungs is proposed.

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A rare case of a Wilms tumor with intracardiac neoplastic extension is presented. The good prognosis of even extensive nephroblastoma is the reason for attempting a radical surgical approach to patients with intracardiac tumor thrombus. The exact preoperative delineation of the intracasal tumor extension is essential for a safe and successful operation. Ultrasonography in combination with echocardiography is the preferred modality for detecting intracardiac extension.

A 75-year-old asymptomatic woman with stable coronary heart disease presented tumor in lower left lobe on routine chest radiograph. A CT scan showed a large sharply delineated mass at this site (84 x 52 x 90 mm). There were no signs of infiltration, no abnormalities were seen in mediastinal structures and on the right side. The pedunculated tumor was resected during left thoracotomy (posterolateral incision). Histological examination revealed spindle-like cells and rich collagen net. Mitoses and necrosis were absent. Final diagnosis was: solitary fibrous tumor of the visceral pleura. During 7-year follow-up recurrence was not observed.

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