Utilization of donated lungs in Australia: 1989-1997

Lung and heart-lung transplantation was first undertaken in Australia in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Although detailed data are available on Australian lung transplantation outcomes, little data are available regarding the utilization of donated lungs. This study examines donated lung utilization rates and considers various factors that may affect these rates. Australian donation and transplantation data were analyzed for the years 1989 through 1997. Results showed that 24% of overall donors were lung donors. The percentage of donors from whom at least 1 lung was transplanted increased from 6% in 1989 to 36% in 1997. Heart-lung transplantation rates changed little (2%-9%), whereas bilateral lung transplantation increased from 1% to 23% of donors. Single-lung donors accounted for 32% of lung donors in 1997. Uniform basic donor criteria and management guidelines, simple allocation mechanisms, and cooperative retrieval have evolved during this time. Close collaboration at the time of donation between units, coordinators, and ICUs has allowed early retrieval from well-managed donors.