Tampa General Adopts New Device to Assess Donor Lungs Before Transplant

October 15, 2026 - 03:16

Doctors at Tampa General Hospital are utilizing a device called the XVIVO Lung Perfusion Machine to evaluate donor lungs prior to transplant surgery. The technology allows medical teams to test how well a donor organ functions outside the human body, giving surgeons critical information before deciding whether to proceed with a transplant.

The machine works by pumping a specialized solution through the lungs while they are kept at a controlled temperature. This process mimics conditions inside the body and lets physicians observe how the organ responds. If the lungs perform well during this evaluation, they may be deemed suitable for a patient in need. If problems appear, the team can avoid using an organ that might fail after surgery.

Lung transplants remain one of the more challenging procedures in medicine because donor organs are fragile and time sensitive. Only a fraction of offered lungs are typically accepted for transplant. By testing function beforehand, hospitals hope to expand the pool of usable organs and reduce the risk of complications for recipients.

The approach reflects a broader shift toward assessing donor organs more thoroughly rather than relying mainly on visual inspection and donor history. For patients waiting on the transplant list, better evaluation could mean shorter waits and improved outcomes after surgery.