Simplified Rat Lung Transplantation by Using a Modified Cuff Technique

Mizuta's cuff technique in rat lung transplantation (LT) model has some disadvantages, such as twisting of blood vessels or bronchus and being time-consuming, which complicate procedures for anastomosis. This study was performed to investigate the advantage of using a simplified cuff technique in LT. The anastomosis time was compared in two groups. In group I, Mizuta'scuff technique was performed in 50 rat orthotopic left lung transplants. In group II, a simple modified cuff technique was performed in 48 rat orthotopic left lung transplants. The successful rate of the new technique for anastomosis was 100%. No twist of vessels or bronchus and no bleeding or air leakage were observed in group II. The anastomosis time of group II was significantly less than for group I (11.2 ± 2.1 min vs. 18.1 ± 3.6 min, mean ± SD, p <. 01). This simple modified cuff technique led to less anastomosis time and avoided potential complications induced by the cuff-tail technique. It has been verified to be a safe, simple, and reproducible technique that can provide us with a more precise assessment in the rat LT model.