Bridge to lung transplantation with the novel pumpless interventional lung assist device NovaLung

Abstract

This report suggests that interventional lung assist NovaLung implantation is an effective bridge to lung transplantation strategy in patients with ventilation-refractory hypercapnia.

Overview of Clinical Lung Transplantation

“…Traditionally, intubation and ECLS (extracorporeal lung support) were the sole modalities available for bridging to transplantation. In the past few years, novel artificial lung technologies have been developed that allow critically ill patients to be maintained temporarily over months (Fischer et al 2006). One of these devices is the Novalung, a hollow fiber oxygenator with a uniquely low trans-device perfusion resistance.…”

Extrakorporale Lungenersatzverfahren – was gibt es Neues, was kommt?

“…Der Nachweis einer dadurch erreichten Verbesserung der Prognose wurde bis dato allerdings nicht erbracht. Ausgewählte Patienten mit terminalem restriktivem Lungenversagen oder chronischem Transplantatversagen (Bronchiolitis-obliteransSyndrom, BOS) können unter ECCO2-R erfolgreich und zu einem guten Teil spontan atmend zur Lungentransplantation oder Retransplantation geführt werden ("bridging"; [13,26] . 2).…”

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Adult Respiratory FailureDiscussion

“…17,75,77,85 Additional technological advances beyond "traditional" systems have enhanced the ability to provide extracorporeal support to patients with severe respiratory failure. 22,70,71,[86][87][88][89][90] One important technological advance is the miniaturization of ECMO technology into a small selfcontained system with an oxygenator, a pump, and all of the components necessary to provide ECMO support. 70,71, 86 An example of this miniaturized technology is the CardioHelp system (Maquet, Wayne, New Jersey), which has been used to provide ECMO for transport, as a bridge to lung transplantation, and as a bridge to recovery for respiratory failure 70,71,86 (Fig.…”