Two days later, donor lungs became available, and the surgeons performed a double lung transplant. “Conventionally, lung transplant is reserved for patients who have chronic conditions like interstitial lung disease or cystic fibrosis,” says Bharat. “For the first time, biologically, we are giving molecular proof that some patients will need a double lung transplant, otherwise they will not survive,” says Bharat. Bharat hopes that over time, the concept will be adopted into more standardized devices that can keep patients alive while awaiting new lungs. “For severe lung damage caused by respiratory viruses or infections, even in acute settings, a lung transplant can be lifesaving.”Source: Cell Press