Nr. 1 - 1. Quartal 2002

The Impact of a Local Coordination Unit on the Number of Transplanted Thoracic Organs
C. Gachet, L. Imperatori, X. Mueller
Transplant Coordination Unit and Division of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland

In order to achieve a rational organisation for organ procurement and transplantation, structures are required on a National and local level. A good local Coordination Unit, can have an impact on the donation process, in particular, the number of organs procured for transplantation.

Our Coordination Unit made a comparative study of local donors over a 4 year period. Period 1, 1995 - 1996 where there was no Coordination Unit and Period 2, 1999 – 2000. A structure was introduced in 1997. We compared the number of cadaver organ donors, age, the number of procured and transplanted organs during these periods.

Although the number of organ donors remain unchanged, the number of procured and transplanted thoracic organs has progressed from 12 to 21, despite the increase in the mean age of organ donors. Interestingly the mean time from referral of an organ donor to procurement has been cut from 14hrs to 9hrs within the same period.

A local structure enables early detection, a rational logistical organisation leading to an increase in the quality of organs available for procurement.

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