Implications of the Composite Allocation Score System for Lung Transplantation in the United States: Review of the New System

Isaac S Alderete; Cathlyn K Medina; Samantha E Halpern; Arya Pontula; Matthew G Hartwig

doi:10.1053/j.semtcvs.2024.09.001

Implications of the Composite Allocation Score System for Lung Transplantation in the United States: Review of the New System

Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2025;37(3):329-333. doi: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2024.09.001. Epub 2024 Sep 23.

Authors

Isaac S Alderete¹, Cathlyn K Medina¹, Samantha E Halpern², Arya Pontula³, Matthew G Hartwig⁴

Affiliations

¹ Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.
² Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
³ University of Manchester Medical School, Manchester, UK.
⁴ Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. Electronic address: matthew.hartwig@duke.edu.

PMID: 39322124
DOI: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2024.09.001

Abstract

Due to criticism regarding undue adherence to fixed geographic boundaries, the Lung Allocation Score system was recently replaced by the more holistic allocation via continuous distribution. This review highlights the historical evolution of US lung allocation paradigms, outlines rationale for continuous distribution under the Composite Allocation Score system and discusses expected implications of this new system.

Keywords: lung transplantation; organ allocation; transplantation.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Decision Support Techniques*
Health Care Rationing*
Humans
Lung Transplantation* / adverse effects
Patient Selection*
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors
Time Factors
Tissue and Organ Procurement* / organization & administration
Treatment Outcome
United States
Waiting Lists*