American Society of Transplant Surgeons Normothermic Regional Perfusion Standards: Ethical, Legal, and Operational Conformance

Abstract

Background. The American Society of Transplant Surgeons convened a multidisciplinary working group to address operational, ethical, and legal considerations surrounding normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) procurement. Methods. The working group, comprising members from American Society of Transplant Surgeons and AST across various disciplines including transplant surgery, hepatology, critical care, and bioethics, collaborated to formulate recommendations and guidance for NRP procurement. Results. The following topics were identified by the group as essential standards that need to be addressed for ethical, legal, and operational conformance: terminology; conceptualization of death in the context of NRP; and communication, logistics, and training and competency. Conclusions. Fourteen recommendations that support the ethical and legal acceptability of NRP in the United States and set expectations for the conduct of NRP procedures are provided.