Using lungs from donors who die unexpectedly for transplantation

Transplanting Lungs from Uncontrolled Donation after Circulatory Death

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-10951591

This study is looking at a new way to help more people get lung transplants by using lungs from donors who passed away unexpectedly, and it aims to see if a special method of preserving these lungs can improve transplant success and patient survival.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10951591 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a method to increase the availability of lungs for transplant by utilizing organs from donors who have died unexpectedly, known as uncontrolled donation after circulatory death (uDCD). The approach involves a novel protocol that preserves lungs non-invasively for a short period after death, allowing for better outcomes similar to traditional brain death donations. The study aims to gather data on the effectiveness of this method and its potential to improve lung transplant rates and patient survival. Patients who receive these lungs could benefit from a greater chance of finding a suitable donor match.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with severe lung disease who are on the waiting list for a lung transplant.

Not a fit: Patients who are not in need of a lung transplant or those with conditions that contraindicate transplantation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of available lungs for transplantation, improving survival rates for patients in need.

How similar studies have performed: Other research in Europe has successfully implemented similar approaches using uDCD lungs, showing promising outcomes.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.