A systematic approach to transplanting non-resident, non-citizens in an established US pediatric lung transplant program

Introduction

The Texas Children’s Hospital Lung Transplant Program undertook consideration of its first non-resident, non-citizen for lung transplantation in 2011.

Methods

Four referrals from the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia were received, and two patients were evaluated from 2011 to 2013.

Results

After a suitable candidate and family was identified, the program adopted a systematic approach to ensure that all the necessary elements of pre-transplant care, informed consent, and post-transplant care could be effectively delivered.

Conclusion

The use of hospital translation services and the development of a strong professional relationship with a well-trained pediatric respirologist in Saudi Arabia combined with an excellent early post-transplant clinical course provide lessons that may be of help to other transplant programs considering international patients as candidates for solid organ transplantation.