Lung allocation for transplant: The European perspective.

Since the first successful lung transplants in humans were done in the 1980s, lung transplantation has become an established treatment for end-stage pulmonary disease. Because the access to transplantable organs is limited and unpredictable, rules that guide the allocation of lungs for transplants have emerged. Such rules are governed not only by medical and bioethical necessities, but also by local traditions, legislation, and practical circumstances. Therefore, there may be significant differences between the organ allocation practices in various parts of the world. In this brief communication, the European perspective on lung allocation is presented, also adding a very brief description of other parts of the world.