Local versus distant lung donor procurement does not influence short-term clinical outcomes

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Transplant Surgery
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Lung transplantation is a critical treatment for end-stage lung disease.
• Organ procurement policies significantly impact transplant logistics and outcomes.
• Evaluating the impact of donor proximity on lung transplant success is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if local versus distant lung procurement affects transplant outcomes.
• To assess the implications of lung allocation policy changes on patient results.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study of 722 adult lung transplants (2006-2017).
• Comparison of short-term outcomes, 1-year survival, and costs between local and distant donor groups.
• Data sourced from a collaborative registry and tertiary medical center.

Main Results:

• Distant lung transplants had longer ischemic times and higher overall costs.
• Local recipients had lower median lung allocation scores.
• No significant differences were observed in major complications, hospital stay, or 1-year survival.

Conclusions:

• Local lung procurement is linked to shorter ischemic times, reduced costs, and more daytime surgeries.
• Lung transplant outcomes are comparable regardless of donor proximity.
• The evolving lung allocation policy, favoring distant donors, may increase costs without altering patient outcomes.