DCD Donation Trends and Data

DCD donation rates have greatly increased over the past several years. Specifically, from 2019 to 2022, MTN saw an 84% increase in the number of DCD organ donor heroes. We estimate that in 2023, the number of heroes will rise to 123, a 98% increase since 2019.

Nationally, DCD donation is on the rise, with DCD heart transplants increasing by 68% in 2022 due to rapidly evolving perfusion technology.

• The timing of communication with MTN is essential to compassionately support the family through the donation process. Determining DCD potential takes time to evaluate and for MTN staff to arrive at the hospital. The most important step you can take is to notify MTN when the healthcare team is anticipating a grave-prognosis conversation with a family. Ideally, MTN will be onsite for these end-of-life decisions to ensure a smooth transition to MTN for the donation conversation when appropriate.

• If the family opts for continued care before making any comfort care decisions, MTN will continue to follow in the background until the appropriate time.

• DCD donor heroes save lives of those waiting for a lifesaving gift. As medical criteria for deceased organ donation continues to evolve with increased studies and experience, an increasing number of patients may meet new criteria for DCD.