Abstract
In efforts to decrease the mortality on the waiting list for lung transplantation,
alternatives to increase the donor pool have been explored. Caution must be used when
accepting donor lungs with pulmonary embolism (PE), as prior evidence has shown mixed
results after transplantation of donor lungs with PE. However, the mere diagnosis
of PE on imaging should not be the sole reason for the exclusion of these donors for
transplant, and they should be reviewed as any other donor. A comprehensive evaluation
should be performed for every donor, with a special focus on abnormalities of gas
exchange and gross pathologic characteristics during procurement.
Keywords
embolectomy - thrombectomy - thrombolysis - transplant - deep vein thrombosis - surgery
- pulmonary embolism
