Lung donor selection, management, and preservation

Donor selection has been shown to be of critical importance to the outcome of successful pulmonary transplantation. Further studies in prospective fashion concerning donor criteria coupled with recipient outcome will aid us in appropriately selecting marginal donors. Donor management is clearly important in enlarging and improving our donor pool. Further studies into the usefulness and potential benefit of thyroid hormone replacement, steroids, inotropes, and antibiotics will aid in donor preparations, and further refinement of lung procurement and preservation should ultimately advance the transplant surgeon's search for the perfect procurement technique.