Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Organ Care System for Lungs Market

The lung system is a portable organ- and ventilation-perfusion and medical monitoring system for the protection of the donor's lungs in clinical, ventilated, and perfused conditions. The organ care system for lungs is the only device approved currently by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) that progresses the longevity of the donor's lung after the harvest of the organ. Transmedics manufacture the OCS Lung System. A new form of lung reservation is established with the OCS Lung Program. Any person whose doctor has enrolled them on the waiting list for the transplant is entitled to obtain a preserved donor lung through the OCS Lung Program.

So what exactly makes OCS Lung System different from the traditional ways? It is a comprehensive and compact system for lung transplants. The donated lungs are transferred into an OCS Lung System, which keeps them safe, ventilated, and warm instead of placing the harvested organ on ice in a cool case. From the moment they have been put on the machine in a donation position until they are removed from the machine for transplant to a recipient, the device pumps oxygen-rich, rich-nutrient blood to keep the lungs ventilated. Almost everything required for the warmth of lungs and ventilation, including oxygen, is held on board. Batteries power the device for fast transportation in a vehicle, helicopter, or airplane.

How does the Organ Care System for Lungs work?

The OCS consists of three major components that build up the system.

1. Wireless Monitor
2. Lung Solution
3. Lung Perfusion Module

The machine feature is displayed and managed by a wireless monitor. The monitor showcases relevant information that allows the surgeon throughout transportation to test the lungs by a number of criteria. Right from the point when the lungs are put in the OCS Lung System and to the point until the lungs are removed from the system, the monitor is active and provides information. The machine also tests and displays parameters for preservation, including temperature and pressure.

A transparent sterile chamber known as the Lung Perfusion Module is housed inside the OCS Lung System. This module is designed to preserve, nourish, moist, oxygenate, and provide nutrient-rich blood in the lungs during transportation.

The last and critical component of the OCS Lung system is the lung solution. The OCSTM Lung Solution provides nutrients essential for the protection of the lungs during transportation. Together, all these components keep the organ moist and ventilated by an integrated blood infusion and control system, which means the lungs can function outside the human body. The organ care system for the lungs protects the lungs throughout the transportation so that it is less likely to fail. In contrast with conventional cold storage methods, the organ care system for the lungs protects the lungs without adverse effects.

Impact of COVID-19 on Organ Care System for Lungs

The COVID-19 has impacted the global organ care system for lungs industry in a fruitful way. Lung transplantation has gone through a major shift during the pandemic. This shift has been seen towards the increasing demand for the life expectancy of the patients.

The speedy rise of the virus has changed things in a quick and abrupt way. The means of travel or physical meetings—everything got restricted in order to stop the spread of the virus any further. However, the pandemic resulted in high numbers of death rates due to low immune systems. Due to the pandemic spread, there is a high demand for organ care systems to help patients with organ failure.

Conclusion

The pandemic has been linked to a major change in lung transplantation. This is projected to the absence of physical exercise that greatly contributes to the demand for the lung organ care systems. It was also assumed that organ care was appropriate in the ever-changing medical industry. Lung transplantations can even provide its patients with the advantages of better organ care through this tough situation. The pandemic has caused high mortality rates because of weak immune systems. In times of crisis and the rapidly changing global landscape, the utmost importance of healthcare can't be denied. COVID-19 provides a new challenge for the organ care system for the lungs industry. Yet, the industry has displayed a promising picture in recent studies.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.