Dedicated Full Time Organ Recovery Teams from Organ Procurement Organizations, Transplant Centers, and the Private Sector

Abstract Purpose of Review Organ recovery teams are emerging within transplant centers, organ procurement organizations, and the private sector. This review examines reasons for growth of these teams, the strategic incentives of each party, and the impact these teams have on quality and training. Recent Findings Allocation policy change, COVID-19, and organ perfusion technologies spurred development of organ recovery teams. There is a trend away from recovery by the transplanting center and greater acceptance of recovery performed by academic, OPO or private entities unaffiliated with the transplanting center. These changes increase transplant volume, reduce cost, mitigate travel risk, and offer lifestyle benefits for the transplant surgeon without adversely impacting transplant outcomes. Trainee exposure to the donor operation may be decreasing. Summary Dedicated full-time organ recovery teams offer competitive advantages for transplant centers, OPOs, and private entities and are rapidly integrating into transplant workflows.