Uncontrolled DCD donation-tilting at windmills or pushing against an open door?

Abstract

Wider use of donation after circulatory death donors may increase transplant numbers substantially. Most countries that have adopted donation after circulatory death donation have focused on controlled donation after circulatory death donors, whereby life-supporting treatment is withdrawn in a coordinated manner. In this issue, del Río and colleagues report the Spanish experience for kidneys transplanted from uncontrolled donation after circulatory death donors (typically individuals with sudden cardiorespiratory arrest in the community). In the largest series to date, they confirm that remarkably good transplant outcomes are achievable.