Application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in supporting organ transplant donors

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of and summarize our experiences with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in supporting donors with unstable respiration and circulation before organ transplantation. The data of 4 brain-dead organ donors (DBDs) from September 2012 to August 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. We performed auxiliary emergency ECMO support for 9.5-78 h before their hepatonephric functions were improved to some extent and then donor liver and donor kidneys were successfully obtained. The 4 donors had auxiliary emergency ECMO support for 78 h, 32 h, 9.5 h, and 14 h, respectively, and we obtained homeostasis and improved their hepatonephric functions. Two kidneys were abandoned due to consolidation, but the other 10 organs were successfully transplanted, although 2 recipients exhibited renal delayed graft function (DGF). The 10 recipients were discharged after healing. ECMO can provide effective respiratory and circulatory support to transplant donors, improve organ function, and provide sufficient time for transplantation; thus, it can effectively assist in the current situation of organ donor shortage.