Fig. 2

Stepwise overview of donor lung procurement in the rat orthotopic lung transplantation model. (A) Tracheostomy via minimal transverse incision on the anterior tracheal surface; (B) Endotracheal intubation using a custom-designed catheter-based tube tailored for rats; (C) Midline laparotomy to access the abdominal cavity; (D) Diaphragmatic incision just above the xiphoid process for bilateral thoracic access; (E) Intravenous injection of heparin sodium (1,000 IU/kg) via the inferior vena cava (IVC); (F) Thoracic exposure optimized through sternal and costal retraction; (G) Clamping of the left atrial auricle with bulldog forceps followed by tip excision; (H) Transection of the abdominal and thoracic IVC segments to initiate exsanguination; (I) Infusion of cold organ preservation solution [Low-potassium dextran (LPD) with 20 IU/mL heparin] via pulmonary artery cannula; (J) Visual confirmation of successful perfusion by uniform lung blanching; (K) Occlusion of the tracheal orifice using an automatic clip post-intubation tube removal; (L) En bloc excision of the heart-lung block and transfer into chilled LPD solution for preservation. IVC – Inferior vena cava; LPD – Low-potassium dextran.