Transesophageal Echocardiography Guidance to Prevent and Manage Pitfalls from Abdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion and Optimize Timing during Organ Retrieval from a Donor after Circulatory Death

Abstract

An essential means of collecting more abdominal donor organs is controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD). The organs are typically preserved during cDCD using the abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (A-NRP) technique to recirculate oxygenated blood flow following cardiac arrest and the withdrawal of life support. One of the challenges of A-NRP is ensuring the correct vascular devices’ positionings, specifically extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulae and aortic balloons, typically achieved through fluoroscopy with or without contrast agents. Here, we present a case report in which transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) helped the transplant team to effectively procure viable abdominal organs from a cDCD donor in the shortest time frame, as minimizing time is one of the most crucial factors in maintaining organ viability. TEE use leads to a more effective and efficient A-NRP procedure with limited complications. In addition, it allows us to observe the circulation of both the thoracic and part of the abdominal organs using one fast exam. This case is the first report describing TEE as a primary guide and useful tool for DCD donors. However, prospective studies are needed to confirm that TEE could be used as standard practice during all DCD organ retrieval procedures.