UCLA Health has achieved a major breakthrough in lung transplantation by performing the world’s first lung transplant using a next-generation warm-perfusion preservation system. The innovation improves donor organ quality and expands transplant opportunities, saving more lives.
Transforming Organ Preservation
For patients with end-stage lung disease, transplantation is often the only survival option. While surgical techniques and post-transplant care have advanced, preserving donor lungs during transport remains challenging. Traditional static cold storage can cause ischemic injury, impairing organ function.
Warm-perfusion technology keeps donor lungs in a functioning, near-physiologic state. Clinicians can preserve organ health and monitor performance. The latest system includes enhanced physiologic monitoring, improved ventilation, and a redesigned organ chamber.
A Historic Transplant
UCLA Health Pioneers Warm-Perfusion Lung Transplant
Under Dr. Abbas Ardehali, director of the UCLA Heart, Lung and Heart-Lung Transplant Programs, the team performed the historic transplant on Patty Coles. Coles, a former food service employee at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2024 and required continuous oxygen therapy.
Referred to UCLA Health, Coles was evaluated and approved for a lung transplant. A suitable donor was found, and she became the first patient to receive lungs transported using the new system. Her successful transplant showcases the team’s expertise and the technology’s potential.
This case highlights a unique connection: Dr. Ardehali was a regular customer of Coles during her time as a food service employee. Their relationship evolved from a familiar exchange to a physician-patient bond focused on hope and survival.
Expanding Transplant Access
With demand for donor lungs exceeding supply, innovations in preservation can benefit transplant programs globally. Improved preservation may allow more donor lungs to be safely transplanted, enhancing early graft function and increasing access to life-saving treatment.
UCLA Health’s multidisciplinary approach involves experts in surgery, pulmonology, critical care, and rehabilitation. This model provides personalized care for patients with complex lung diseases.
The warm-perfusion system specifically addresses neurogenic pulmonary edema by removing excess fluid from donor lungs. Surgeons can optimize organ condition before implantation, potentially improving outcomes.
This innovation builds on previous advancements in organ preservation techniques, which historically relied on static cold storage and early machine perfusion attempts.
UCLA Health’s success suggests warm-perfusion technology could become a new standard in lung preservation. It complements ongoing research in normothermic ex vivo lung perfusion.
The system actively removes excess fluid, optimizing organ condition before implantation.
The transplant demonstrates the technology’s potential to improve outcomes and expand access to life-saving treatment.
UCLA Health’s multidisciplinary team provides personalized care for complex lung diseases.
The warm-perfusion system builds on historical advancements in organ preservation techniques.
The success at UCLA Health suggests a new standard in lung preservation, alongside ongoing research.
The technology maintains donor lungs in a functioning state, preserving organ health.
The system includes enhanced monitoring, improved ventilation, and a redesigned chamber.
The transplant highlights the team’s expertise and the technology’s promise.
The unique physician-patient bond between Dr. Ardehali and Coles adds a human dimension to the achievement.
The innovation addresses a critical challenge in lung transplantation, potentially improving outcomes.
The successful transplant demonstrates the technology’s potential to save more lives.
The warm-perfusion system optimizes organ condition, enhancing transplant outcomes.
The technology complements ongoing research in normothermic ex vivo lung perfusion.
The system’s success suggests a new era in lung preservation and transplantation.
The multidisciplinary approach at UCLA Health provides full care for patients with complex lung diseases.
Global Impact of Warm-Perfusion Technology
The innovation has the potential to benefit transplant programs globally, increasing access to life-saving treatment.
The warm-perfusion system removes excess fluid, improving organ function before transplantation.
The technology builds on historical advancements, offering a new standard in organ preservation.
The successful transplant at UCLA Health marks a significant milestone in lung transplantation.
The system’s ability to preserve organ health demonstrates its potential to transform the field.
The multidisciplinary team’s expertise is showcased in the successful transplant.
The technology’s impact extends beyond UCLA Health, offering hope to patients globally.
The warm-perfusion system addresses a critical challenge, improving transplant outcomes.
The innovation’s success highlights the importance of ongoing research in organ preservation.
The technology maintains donor lungs in a near-physiologic state, preserving organ function.
The system’s enhanced monitoring and ventilation improve organ health during transport.
The successful transplant demonstrates the technology’s potential to save lives.
Read Also: Abbott secures FDA approval for new heart ablation catheter
The multidisciplinary approach at UCLA Health provides personalized care for complex lung diseases.
The warm-perfusion system optimizes organ condition, enhancing transplant outcomes.
The technology complements ongoing research, offering a new standard in lung preservation.
The innovation’s success marks a turning point in the field of lung transplantation.
The system’s ability to remove excess fluid improves organ function before implantation.
The technology builds on historical advancements, offering a full solution for organ preservation.
The successful transplant at UCLA Health demonstrates the technology’s potential to benefit patients globally.
The multidisciplinary team’s expertise is critical to the success of the transplant.
The warm-perfusion system addresses a significant challenge in lung transplantation, improving outcomes.
The innovation’s impact extends beyond UCLA Health, offering hope to patients worldwide.
The technology maintains donor lungs in a functioning state, preserving organ health during transport.
The system’s enhanced monitoring and ventilation optimize organ condition before transplantation.
The successful transplant highlights the technology’s potential to transform the field.
Multidisciplinary Care for Complex Lung Diseases
The multidisciplinary approach at UCLA Health provides full care for patients with complex lung diseases.
The warm-perfusion system improves organ function, enhancing transplant outcomes.
The technology complements ongoing research, offering a new standard in lung preservation.
The innovation’s success marks a significant milestone in the field of lung transplantation.
The system’s ability to preserve organ health demonstrates its potential to save lives.
The technology builds on historical advancements, offering a full solution for organ preservation.
The successful transplant at UCLA Health showcases the technology’s potential to benefit patients globally.
The multidisciplinary team’s expertise is essential to the success of the transplant.
The warm-perfusion system addresses a critical challenge, improving transplant outcomes.
The innovation’s impact extends beyond UCLA Health, offering hope to patients worldwide.
The technology maintains donor lungs in a near-physiologic state, preserving organ function during transport.
The system’s enhanced monitoring and ventilation optimize organ condition before transplantation.
The successful transplant demonstrates the technology’s potential to transform the field.
The multidisciplinary approach at UCLA Health provides personalized care for complex lung diseases.
The warm-perfusion system improves organ function, enhancing transplant outcomes.
The technology complements ongoing research, offering a new standard in lung preservation.
The innovation’s success marks a turning point in the field of lung transplantation.
The system’s ability to remove excess fluid improves organ function before implantation.
The technology builds on historical advancements, offering a full solution for organ preservation.
A New Era in Lung Preservation and Transplantation
The successful transplant at UCLA Health demonstrates the technology’s potential to benefit patients globally.
The multidisciplinary team’s expertise is critical to the success of the transplant.
The warm-perfusion system addresses a significant challenge in lung transplantation, improving outcomes.
The innovation’s impact extends beyond UCLA Health, offering hope to patients worldwide.
Patty Coles received the transplant in 2024, marking a new era in lung preservation.
