Pig Bronchiolar Tissue Extraction: A Procedure to Dissect Bronchiolar Tissue Sections From Porcine Lungs

Obtain lungs immediately after slaughter, and transport them to the laboratory in a domestic cool box. Work on a sterilized surface and under a flame. Place the lungs on a clean plastic chopping board covered with autoclaved aluminum foil, and check that the bronchioles remain intact. The lungs are not suitable for use if there has been any damage at the abattoir or during transport.

Heat a palette knife under a flame, and very briefly touch the knife to the area of the lung surrounding the bronchiole to sterilize the surface of the tissue. Cut away the surface tissue surrounding the bronchiole using a sterile mounted razor blade, making incisions parallel to the bronchiole to prevent any damage.

Once the bronchiole has been exposed, make a cross-sectional incision through the bronchiole at the highest point visible. Using sterile forceps, lightly hold the free end of the bronchiole, and cut away any remaining unwanted tissue using a sterile mounted razor blade. Make a final cross-sectional incision across the bronchiole before any branching is visible to remove the bronchiole from the lungs.