Use of Non-Heart-Beating Donor Kidneys for Transplantation

Abstract

In view of the shortage of cadaveric organ donors two retrospective studies have been performed to determine the results of transplantation of non-heart-beating (NHB) donor kidneys. Graft and patient survival and renal function in the 89 cases, analyzed in these studies, showed no adverse effects of the use of NHB donor kidneys. The initial graft function was best after in situ cooling of the kidneys, using an intra-aortic double balloon catheter, followed by machine preservation. It is concluded that nephrectomy of NHB donors is worthwhile and that these donors should be included in all organ harvesting programmes.