Lung Transplants Are Happening Outside the Body Ex vivo lung transplants were performed in New York

 In the future, the ex vivo procedure can help restore and repair donor lungs. Currently less than 30 percent of donor lungs can be used. If doctors can monitor and evaluate lungs outside of the body they can possibly repair problems and restore lung function.

Dr. D'Ovidio says this can possibly double the number of available lungs.