Objective  To investigate the training methods and evaluation parameters for donor lung procurement technique in swine models.

  Methods  The surgical skills of donor lung procurement in 15 swine models were summarized. The operation time, objective evaluation parameters before lung perfusion, gross observation after lung perfusion, the type and frequency of intraoperative errors were assessed.

  Results  All donor lung procurement surgeries were successfully completed in 15 swine models. The mean time interval from skin incision to lung perfusion was 22.6 min. Prior to lung perfusion, the oxygenation index of the donor lung was (501±68) mmHg, (404±100) mL (under the pressure of 15 mmHg) for the tidal volume and (29±4) mL/cmH₂O for the static compliance. Along with the increasing surgical frequency, the oxygenation index and tidal volume were improved. Favorable lung inflation was obtained after lung perfusion in a majority of swine models. Intraoperatively, multiple operating errors occurred including dissection error, pulmonary arterial intubation error and procedure error, etc. As the frequency of operation increased, the frequency of surgical errors was significantly decreased.

  Conclusions  After certain training for donor lung procurement in swine models, the incidence of intraoperative procedure error is significantly reduced and the quality of the donor lung tends to be enhanced. Objective parameters, such as oxygenation index and the gross shape of the donor lung can be utilized to evaluate the levels of surgical techniques.