Ex vivo lung perfusion in donation after circulatory death lung transplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lung transplantation is the definitive therapy for end-stage lung disease, but donor shortages contribute to high waiting list mortality. Donation after circulatory death (DCD) expands the donor pool, and ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) enables graft assessment and optimization. However, its impact in this setting remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether EVLP in DCD lungs affects graft function and short-term outcomes compared with direct transplantation.

Methods

Three databases were searched. The main outcome was grade 3 primary graft dysfunction (PGD). Additional outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS), both analyzed quantitatively. Outcomes assessed qualitatively comprised short-term survival, pneumonia

SUBMITTER: Costa BS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12861276 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature