Current challenges in lung transplantation

Abstract

Lung transplantation remains the definitive treatment for end-stage lung disease, but several critical challenges persist. Key issues include the limited availability of donor organs, ongoing debates over optimal preservation methods, and the controversy surrounding the best intraoperative support systems. Additionally, the efficacy of bridging strategies to transplantation continues to be questioned. This review delves into these pressing topics. This includes a focus on donation after cardiac death as a potential solution to expand the donor pool and recent advancements in hypothermic preservation, including innovative portable devices, and the role of bridging strategies. By addressing these multifaceted challenges, this review highlights the importance of continued advancements in donor management, organ preservation, and perioperative care to ultimately improve outcomes for lung transplant recipients.