Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is an abnormal opening between the airway and pleural cavity, causing serious, sometimes fatal, infection and other complications. It is a complication of thoracic surgery occurring in 1.4%-14% of patients and can be associated with high mortality (up to 50%), often requiring multiple procedures, prolonged hospitalization, and very poor quality of life. There is no standardized treatment for BPF. Literature reports describe the preliminary use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a potential treatment. The inclusion of a biologically relevant extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold seeded with MSCs, may offer a considerable improvement in treatment outcomes compared to MSCs alone, particularly for large (more serious) BPF defects. Using a tissue-engineered approach Videregen’s proprietary solution combines and builds on the reported use of ECM scaffolds and MSCs to provide an innovative option for curative treatment of BPF, reducing morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospitalization costs. Project goals 1. Generate human safety and efficacy data to support the future transition to pivotal clinical trials and eventual marketing authorization 2. Establish tissue engineering approaches/solutions using tissue scaffolds and cells as a viable and effective regenerative clinical solution 3. Develop and investigate the science underpinning the regenerative processes and mechanisms of tissue engineering

In this session, we will review similarities and differences between two segments of the non-transplant donation field. Our speakers, Gina Dunne Smith and Corinne Bell, will discuss how transplant and non-transplant donation organizations can work together to extend the reach of donation through ground-breaking research, hands-on training for surgeons, and much more.

In this session, we will review similarities and differences between two segments of the non-transplant donation field. Our speakers, Gina Dunne Smith and Corinne Bell, will discuss how transplant and non-transplant donation organizations can work together to extend the reach of donation through ground-breaking research, hands-on training for surgeons, and much more.

There remains very limited information for families who have received a fatal diagnosis for their unborn child, who choose to carry to term, and who want to consider organ and tissue donation. Over the past 10 years, more options have been available for these families for donation through medical research and, on a very limited basis, transplantation. Hear about donation opportunities and outcomes that describe the success behind the donation process, the obstacles and variables that must be considered, and the impact these special donors have had in the OPO and research communities.