Lung Donor Selection and Management: An Updated Review

Abstract

The shortage of donor lungs for transplantation is a major challenge, resulting in longer waitlist times for patients with a higher risk of waitlist mortality. It is crucial to continue promoting awareness about organ donation through legislation, public campaigns, and health care provider education. Only a small number of cadaveric donors meet the ideal criteria for lung donation, leaving many lungs unused. Donor lung utilization can be improved by carefully considering the extended-criteria donors, actively participating in donor management, and by utilizing the modalities to assess and manage the marginal lungs after retrieval from the donor. The purpose of this article is to provide an up-to-date review of donor selection, assessment of donor lungs, and donor lung management to enhance organ recovery rates for lung transplantation.