Fewer lung transplants are performed than other solid organ transplants, not because of potential recipients, but because of the difficulty in procuring suitable lungs. It is estimated that for every four to five donors who have hearts suitable for donation, only one of these donors will have lungs that will be suitable.
Lungs tend to be somewhat fragile compared with other organs.
Frequently, the next organ to deteriorate after brain death is the lungs. When we assess potential lung donors, there are a number of parameters that we look at closely. What is more important than a one-time ABG is to assess serial changes. Minor abnormalities may be acceptable. Frequently, it may be deemed that the one side is suitable for transplantation, while the other side is not.