Validation of the thermal stability of EMAIS-SR autonomous packaging for preservation of porcine lungs: cooling curve in an experimental model.

BACKGROUND

Intermediate temperatures (10°C) better preserve mitochondrial function and extend ischemic time, which are fundamental for lung preservation during transplantation. The EMAIS-SR device was developed as a reusable, cost-effective alternative to maintain the 10°C set-point, thereby overcoming logistical and economic barriers in organ transport.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to validate the thermal stability of the EMAIS-SR system in a swine model by evaluating the organ-cooling curve and the time spent within the target temperature range.

DESIGN AND

SETTING

Validation study using experimental surgery on porcine organs.

METHODS

Lung blocks were harvested from two Landrace swine in independent experiments (P1, P2). The organs were placed in triple sterile packaging. Thermal stability was monitored for 48 h by using four negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors (three intrapulmonary and one extrapulmonary) with data acquisition at a 0.1-s interval. Another datalogger (Hantek ® HTM208B) was used for control and validation. Thermal distribution was further characterized by infrared thermography (FLIR C3-X).

RESULTS

In Experiment 1 (P1), intrapulmonary temperatures reached the predefined target range (≤ 12°C) approximately 1.4 h after lung extraction, and the mean temperature recorded in the container was 8.01 °C (standard deviation, 2.88°C). In Experiment 2 (P2), a mean temperature reduction of 6.6°C was observed, bringing the intrapulmonary temperature to the target range (≤ 12°C) within approximately 2 h post-extraction.

CONCLUSION

The EMAIS-SR device effectively maintained lung-preservation temperatures within the target 8°C-12°C range over 48 h. These results demonstrate the system's technical feasibility and its capacity to provide consistent thermal stability across intrapulmonary compartments.