High positive end-expiratory pressure during ex vivo lung perfusion: recruiting rejected donor lungs.

We present an innovative method for recruiting clinically rejected donor lungs using positive end-expiratory pressure titration during ex vivo lung perfusion. Currently, ex vivo lung perfusion protocols are using a standard positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O for all cases. Individualized positive end-expiratory pressure titration combined with recruitment manoeuvres has been found to significantly improve pulmonary functions in mechanically ventilated patients. Applying this concept to ex vivo lung perfusion may be helpful in increasing the conversion rate for transplant suitability.