Donation after cardiac death for lung transplantation

Purpose of review This review presents a concise update on clinical donation after cardiac death (DCD or DDCD) lung transplantation. Lung allografts have predominantly been procured from donors after determination of neurologic death but will not meet the existing demand. A steadily increasing need for lungs is evident worldwide, especially in an era of improved outcomes for recipients. Other solid organ utilization from donors after determination of cardiac death has markedly increased internationally, but the utilization rate of lungs from such donors is still considerably less. The multifaceted reasons for this discrepancy are considered, and the recent evidence available supporting DCD for lung transplantation in clinical practice is presented in context. The recent experimental research studies are not within the remit of this appraisal. Recent findings The more recent and markedly increased lung recipient cohorts showed very satisfactory survival outcomes for DCD transplantation in several programs. The overall utilization rate, however, remains low. The background and the rationale of lung donor allograft expansion to proactively include DCD allografts from controlled (Maastricht category III donors) is re-emphasized in this review. The feasibility of other DCD categories for lung transplantation is considered. This is particularly prudent with the advent of the ex-vivo lung perfusion modality in pulmonary procurement. Summary Despite evidence for adequate survival outcomes and reported favorable primary graft dysfunction rates, DCD lung transplantation remains underutilized in most countries. Waiting times could be notably reduced and mortality of lung candidates arguably decreased by a more decided and appropriate implementation of proven DCD lung transplant strategies.