Using lungs from people who die unexpectedly to increase transplant options
Transplanting Lungs from Uncontrolled Donation after Circulatory Death
This project tries a method to preserve lungs after unexpected death so more people waiting for lung transplants can get usable organs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173822 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is developing a non-invasive lung preservation protocol that uses positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) and supplemental oxygen to keep lungs viable for about three hours after unexpected circulatory death. Preserved lungs would then be evaluated and, when appropriate, improved using ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) before transplant. The approach builds on routine uDCD lung use in Europe and a small Toronto series, but U.S. consent rules currently delay preservation and reduce usable lungs. The project aims to refine the protocol, address authorization and logistics in U.S. centers, and prepare for a larger multicenter trial.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people on the lung transplant waitlist who are medically eligible for transplant and willing to accept lungs from donors who died unexpectedly (uDCD donors).
Not a fit: People who are not eligible for lung transplant, need very specific donor matches, or do not want lungs from uDCD donors may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could increase the number of usable donor lungs, shorten waitlist times, and help more patients receive lifesaving transplants.
How similar studies have performed: European programs routinely use uDCD lungs with outcomes similar to brain-death donors, and a small Toronto series reported four of five recipients surviving beyond 100 days, indicating promising but limited U.S. experience.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wall, Stephen P — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Wall, Stephen P
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.