Increasing the donor pool for lung transplantation: Low tidal volume mechanical ventilation strategies in the brain dead potential lung donor patient

Problem: Lung transplantation is a viable option to treat patients with end-stage lung disease. However, the supply of lungs available for donation does not meet the demand of patients who require lung transplantation. There has been some research done to find ways to increase the number of lungs available for transplantation through organ donor management, particularly with regard to mechanical ventilation strategies. However, there are no standardized protocols or consistency from hospital to hospital about mechanical ventilation strategies in brain dead potential lung donor patients. Methods: Peer-reviewed articles were found and have identified mechanical ventilation strategies in the brain dead potential lung donor patients. Results: There are few articles on mechanical ventilation strategies in the brain dead potential lung donor patient population. Articles that were found analyzed the benefit of low tidal volumes, recruitment maneuvers, and modes of ventilation. Conclusions: Further research on mechanical ventilation strategies in the brain dead potential lung donor patient is necessary to help optimize the number of lungs available for transplantation.