Improving the use of donor lungs for transplantation through advanced imaging techniques

Using Advanced Imaging to Improve Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10999701

This study is working on better ways to check the health of donor lungs that might not usually be used for transplants, using new imaging techniques to help more patients get the lung transplants they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10999701 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the evaluation of donor lungs that are often deemed unsuitable for transplantation. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to develop a system that can assess the structural, functional, and metabolic health of donor lungs more comprehensively. This approach seeks to improve the ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) process, which preserves and evaluates lungs before transplantation, potentially allowing more 'marginal' lungs to be used. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to an increase in available donor lungs for transplantation, improving outcomes for those in need of lung transplants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with end-stage lung disease who are in need of a lung transplant.

Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for lung transplantation or those with conditions that preclude them from receiving a transplant may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of viable donor lungs available for transplantation, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients with severe lung disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to assess organ viability, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in lung transplantation.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.