Extracorporeal life support as a bridge to lung transplantation: Where are we now?

The number of lung transplant procedures performed internationally is increasing but the donor organ pool is insufficient to meet demand and waiting list mortality is unacceptably high. As survival rates for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome managed on extracorporeal life support (ECLS) have steadily improved, a potential role for ECLS to support critically ill patients awaiting a donor organ match has emerged. We explore the rapidly evolving landscape of ECLS as a bridge to lung transplantation with review of the patient selection criteria, predictors of survival, modes of pre and peri-transplant support, and the importance of a holistic multidisciplinary approach to care. Finally, we consider innovations that are envisaged to increase the accessibility, safety, and effectiveness of ECLS delivery for future lung transplant candidates.