The Texas Heart Institute Researchers Develop Breakthrough Lung Preservation System to Improve Transplant Outcomes
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Houston, TX – May 14, 2025 — Researchers at The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine (THI), have developed a groundbreaking new platform for lung preservation and transport that could dramatically increase the number of viable lungs available for transplant—and improve patient outcomes nationwide.
Lung transplantation remains one of the most time-sensitive procedures in medicine. Yet, due to the fragility of lung tissue, less than 25% of donated lungs are suitable for transplant, and more than 13% of patients on the transplant list die waiting for a viable organ.
Led by Yaxin Wang, PhD, Associate Investigator and Director of the Innovative Device & Engineering Applications (IDEA) Lab, in collaboration with Chris Chan, PhD, and Gabriel Loor, MD, Surgical Director of the Lung Transplant Program at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, the team is redefining the boundaries of lung preservation using a next-generation ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) system.
The platform simulates the natural conditions of the human body by circulating fluids and gases through donated lungs, maintaining function outside the body for longer periods. Unlike conventional systems, THI’s technology incorporates advanced circulation, ventilation, and incubation capabilities that provide longer transport windows and offer the potential to treat and enhance donor lungs in transit.
“This isn’t just about extending time—we’re improving the condition of donor lungs before they ever reach the operating room,” said Dr. Wang. “It’s a significant advancement in how we preserve and evaluate organs.”
The implications are wide-reaching. The system could enable long-distance lung transport and the rehabilitation of marginal lungs that would otherwise be discarded—such as those from older donors or with minor damage—using emerging therapies including gene or cell-based treatments.
“Our goal is to expand the donor pool and improve survival rates,” said Dr. Loor. “This technology has the potential to reduce geographic barriers and make more lungs available to the patients who need them most.”
Currently in preclinical testing, the system is also in early stages of commercialization. The project was recently awarded top honors at the 2025 Baylor College of Medicine INSTINCT Shark Tank competition, earning $25,000 to accelerate development.
As a global leader in cardiovascular research and innovation, The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine continues to pioneer technologies that reimagine organ preservation and transplant medicine—offering hope to patients in need of life-saving procedures.