Tolerability and Feasibility of the Upper Esophageal Sphincter Assist Device in Preventing Acute and Chronic Allograft Rejection Among Lung Transplant Recipients

Goals:We aimed to evaluate a novel upper esophageal sphincter (UES) assist device loaner program for the prevention of acute cellular rejection and chronic lung allograft dysfunction among lung transplant (LTx) recipients. Background:Laryngopharyngeal reflux can lead to chronic microaspiration and LTx rejection. The UES assist device applies external pressure at the level of UES to decrease reflux. Study:We prospectively enrolled and issued UES assist devices to consecutive transplant patients referred for gastrointestinal motility testing from 2016 to 2020. Device tolerability was defined by successful utilization as a bridge to ambulatory pH monitoring and/or antireflux procedure, or as permanent therapy. Incidence of rejection was analyzed before, during, and after device implementation. Results:Twenty-six participants were issued devices (15 pathologic, 5 physiological, 6 unknown reflux status), none of whom developed acute rejection episodes or chronic lung allograft dysfunction while using the device. Thirteen adopted the device promptly after transplantation (mean 1.7 mo) and remained free of rejection episodes over a mean 24.7 months of follow-up. Among those with pathologic reflux, lag time to device adoption strongly correlated with the development of rejection (r=0.8, P=0.0006). There was no such correlation among those with physiological reflux. Five developed acute rejection after device return. Conclusions:The device was tolerated by a majority of LTx patients and appears feasible as a barrier measure in the prevention of rejection. Delayed treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux may lead to early allograft failure; therefore, the UES assist device should be given important consideration in transplant protection.