40 years of donation after circulatory death marked at Hospital Clínic Barcelona
Hospital Clínic Barcelona recently hosted a commemorative event marking the 40th anniversary of the first donation after circulatory death, highlighting four decades of clinical progress, innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration in organ donation and transplantation.
Organised in collaboration with the Private Foundation Món Clínic Barcelona, the event brought together leading professionals in the field to reflect on the evolution of donation after circulatory death and its growing role in modern transplantation programmes.
The session, coordinated by David Paredes-Zapata and Ángel Ruiz, included the participation of experts such as Dr. Martí Manyalich and Dr. Gabriel Gondolesi, who emphasised the importance of continued collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation in advancing clinical practice.
A key moment of the event was the presentation of the book Trascender. Historias sobre la donación y el trasplante en la piel de los protagonistas, which offers a perspective on organ donation and transplantation through real-life experiences of patients, families, and healthcare professionals, highlighting the human dimension of this field.
The anniversary also served to recognise the ongoing work of multidisciplinary teams involved in donation and transplantation, as well as the essential role of donors and their families, whose contribution remains fundamental to making transplantation possible.
9th international workshop on uncontrolled and controlled donation after circulatory death (dcd)
The Donation and Transplantation Institute (DTI Foundation) has developed an international reference training program in donation after circulatory death, designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the clinical, technical and organizational aspects of DCD programs.
The course combines online learning with advanced face-to-face training, enabling participants not only to acquire theoretical knowledge but also to develop practical skills that can be transferred to their own clinical settings. Its approach is clearly focused on real-world implementation and on improving donation and transplantation outcomes.
In recent years, donation after circulatory death has gained increasing relevance due to its potential to expand the donor pool. In this context, specialized training is essential to ensure safe, ethical and efficient processes, as well as to incorporate advanced techniques in organ preservation and assessment.
target audience
The program is aimed at healthcare professionals involved in donation and transplantation, including intensive care, anesthesia and emergency specialists, transplant coordinators, surgeons, perfusionists, and clinical leaders or managers interested in developing or strengthening DCD programs.
methodology
The course follows a blended format combining live online sessions with an intensive on-site phase.
The online component introduces key concepts and fosters discussion, while the face-to-face phase focuses on hands-on training through simulation, technical workshops and case-based learning. This approach promotes active learning and supports skill development in highly realistic environments.
content
The program covers the full DCD pathway from a comprehensive perspective:
- international overview of DCD
- controlled and uncontrolled DCD
- withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment
- death diagnosis
- cannulation and technical aspects
- normothermic regional perfusion (NRP)
- organ assessment
- surgical recovery
- preservation and ex vivo perfusion
It also addresses key elements such as communication with families, identification of barriers and analysis of outcomes, supporting effective program implementation across different healthcare contexts.
international dimension
The course brings together participants and faculty from multiple countries, creating a collaborative learning environment that promotes exchange of experiences, comparative analysis and professional networking.
scholarships and accessibility
DTI Foundation promotes the Pepe Buitrón Scholarships to support the participation of professionals from low- and middle-income countries, covering tuition and accommodation. This initiative reinforces DTI’s commitment to equity and international cooperation.
impact
Through this program, DTI Foundation consolidates an advanced training platform aimed at transforming knowledge into clinical practice, strengthening DCD programs and expanding transplantation opportunities worldwide.
DTI Foundation publishes its 2025 Annual Report
DTI Foundation is pleased to announce the publication of its 2025 Annual Report, presenting a comprehensive overview of a year marked by international collaboration, system strengthening, and continued commitment to improving organ donation and transplantation worldwide.
Throughout 2025, DTI continued to work closely with healthcare professionals, institutions, and national authorities across different regions, supporting the development of more effective and sustainable donation systems. The organisation’s activity focused on three key pillars: training, consultancy, and research.
On the training side, DTI delivered specialised programmes aimed at enhancing professional competencies and fostering leadership in donation and transplantation. These initiatives brought together multidisciplinary teams and contributed to the professionalisation of the field.
In consultancy, DTI supported countries at different stages of development, providing strategic guidance tailored to each context. This included the design and implementation of national strategies, organisational models, and operational improvements.
In parallel, research and innovation remained a core component of DTI’s work. The organisation continued to promote knowledge generation and facilitate access to human biological samples for research, contributing to scientific advancement and better clinical outcomes.
The 2025 Annual Report reflects not only the volume of activities carried out, but also the impact generated through collaboration with partners worldwide. It highlights the importance of coordinated efforts, capacity building, and evidence-based approaches in strengthening donation and transplantation systems.
The full report is available here:
https://dtifoundation.com/annual-reports/
Medical Education Program in Organ Donation and Transplantation for Latin America
Excellence in transplantation systems requires continuous scientific updating, clinical rigor, and international cooperation. The allocation of solid organs from deceased donors is one of the most complex processes in this field, integrating medical criteria, principles of equity, and advanced technological tools.
The Medical Education Program in Organ Donation and Transplantation for Latin America is the result of a strategic alliance between Werfen, Werfen Brazil, and the Donation and Transplantation Institute, DTI Foundation, aimed at strengthening professional capacities in the region and promoting the global dissemination of knowledge in donation and transplantation.
The program consists of five online webinars, each accompanied by an in-person networking event held in different countries across the region, fostering scientific exchange and professional interaction.
First webinar
Allocation of Solid Organs from Deceased Donors: Current Challenges and Technological Advances
📅 March 3, 2026
🕖 20:00 PM (UTC/GMT -3)
Updated schedule, one hour later than previously communicated.
On the occasion of this first webinar, the in-person networking dinner will take place in Rio de Janeiro.
We invite you to join this international initiative and actively contribute to strengthening transplantation systems across Latin America.
IRODaT publishes the final 2024 data: the global tool driving progress in organ donation and transplantation
Every data point matters. Every trend reveals an opportunity. And every international comparison can lead to decisions that help save more lives.
At DTI Foundation, we believe that improving organ donation and transplantation depends not only on clinical expertise and strong coordination, but also on something essential: measuring, understanding, and learning. That is why we are proud to announce the publication of the final 2024 data from IRODaT, the leading international registry for organ donation and transplantation.
IRODaT: the global registry that turns data into progress
IRODaT (International Registry on Organ Donation and Transplantation) is the main international platform for collecting, analysing, and sharing global data on organ donation and transplantation.
Its value goes far beyond compiling figures. IRODaT provides a global and comparative view of donation and transplant activity, helping identify patterns, track progress, anticipate challenges, and support countries in strengthening their programmes. In a field where every improvement can mean more patients transplanted and more lives saved, data becomes a direct driver of impact.
A tool created by DTI Foundation, with continuous technical support
IRODaT is not just a registry. It is an international project launched from the very beginning by DTI Foundation, with a clear mission: to provide the world with a solid, reliable, and accessible data source that contributes to improving organ donation and transplantation systems.
DTI Foundation continues to provide technical support and ongoing guidance to ensure data quality, methodological consistency, and the continuous development of the platform. This support is essential for IRODaT to remain a robust and valuable resource, aligned with the real needs of professionals and healthcare systems worldwide.
What does IRODaT bring to the international community?
Comparable and reliable data
IRODaT gathers information from countries around the world, offering a strong foundation to analyse activity transparently and with consistent criteria.
Better decision-making
Data supports programme leaders, health authorities, and clinical teams in shaping strategies, assessing outcomes, and identifying improvement areas.
Boosting research
Each year, more than 100 researchers use IRODaT data to develop studies, generate evidence, and improve clinical practice.
Global collaboration and shared learning
IRODaT connects the international community, fostering knowledge exchange and joint progress towards more effective and equitable systems.
Final 2024 data: a global snapshot to keep moving forward
The publication of the final numbers for 2024 represents an important step to understand how organ donation and transplantation is evolving worldwide. It is an opportunity to analyse trends, strengthen policies, identify priorities, and accelerate improvement.
Because when data is shared, knowledge grows. And when knowledge grows, systems improve.
Access the data
You can explore the resources here:
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IRODaT 2024 data file (Final Numbers): 2025_International_Registry_in_Organ_Donation_and_Transplantation_(2) (1)
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IRODaT official website: https://www.irodat.org
We invite you to explore the registry, consult the global data available, and discover how international analysis can contribute to a future with more transplant opportunities for patients worldwide.
The Power of Generosity That Saves Lives: The Donation and Transplantation Results in Spain for 2025
In 2025, Spain achieved a new milestone in organ donation and transplantation, with a total of 6,300 transplants performed. This result, published by the National Transplant Organization (ONT) and the Ministry of Health, reflects not only the strength of Spain's healthcare system but also the solidarity and bravery of those who choose to be part of this life-saving chain.
At Donation and Transplantation Institute - DTI Foundation, we take this opportunity to recognize the collective effort that makes this achievement possible and to express our deepest gratitude to the donors and their families, who, in moments of sorrow, transform lives by offering a second chance to many people who depend on a transplant to continue their lives.
The Importance of Donor Generosity
Organ donation is a profoundly altruistic and generous act. Every donor represents a chance for life for those waiting for a transplant. The 2025 data shows how, thanks to this act of solidarity, Spain remains at the forefront of the world in terms of transplants per capita, confirming the country’s global leadership in this field.
6,300 transplants in 2025 is an impressive number, but behind every figure are stories of life, hope, and the future. We thank all the healthcare professionals and transplant coordinators, who play a crucial role in supporting families and managing processes that, though complex, are filled with hope.
Key Data on Organ Donation and Transplantation in Spain 2025
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Deceased Donors: 2,547, with a slight decrease of 1% from the previous year.
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Brain Death Donors (DBD): A decrease of 9%.
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Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD): Increased by 8%, representing 56% of total donors.
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Kidney Transplants: 3,999 transplants, with a slight 1% decrease.
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Heart Transplants: A 12% increase, especially significant in DCD transplants.
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Lung Transplants: 556 transplants, with an 11% decrease but with a solid number of transplants performed.
The Impact of Solidarity
Solidarity is what truly makes us human. Every donor and every family that makes the decision to donate in times of grief becomes a silent hero, giving life and hope to those who need it most. The data reflects not only the efficiency of the healthcare system but the collective commitment of society.
At DTI Foundation, we believe it is essential to recognize everyone involved in this process. We thank everyone who contributes, directly or indirectly, to saving more lives. This work would not be possible without the teamwork, dedication, and commitment of all healthcare professionals and transplant coordinators, who, in many cases, act as pillars of support for families during the most difficult times.
Thanks to the ONT and Ministry of Health
We also want to highlight the work of the National Transplant Organization (ONT) and the Ministry of Health, who published the official results of transplantation activities in Spain for 2025, once again demonstrating the country's global leadership in this field.
Every Donation Matters. Every Transplant Changes a Life.
This year, as in all the previous ones, we celebrate every donor and every professional who is part of this process. Thanks to their generosity and effort, we continue saving lives and offering new opportunities to those who need it most. Donation is one of the most powerful acts of solidarity we can perform, and every transplant is a story of hope and a new opportunity to live.
🔗 Check out the full 2025 results from ONT:
https://www.ont.es/
More details at RTVE:
https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20260116/espana-supera-por-segundo-ano-consecutivo-6300-trasplantes-organos-se-mantiene-como-lider-mundial/16896837.shtml
Organ donation and transplantation in Catalonia in 2025: results, challenges and recognition of the system
The 2025 organ donation and transplantation data in Catalonia once again confirm the strength and commitment of a system that stands among the world’s leading references. With 1,356 organ transplants performed, Catalonia has achieved one of the highest transplant rates globally, reaching 167 transplants per million population.
Beyond the figures, these results reflect the rigorous and deeply human work of many individuals. At DTI Foundation, we wish to particularly acknowledge the role of transplant coordinators, healthcare and non-healthcare professionals, and all those involved who make donation possible in highly complex clinical and emotional contexts.
None of this would be achievable without the altruism of donors and their families, whose generous decisions, taken at moments of profound difficulty, transform loss into hope and new opportunities for life.
The 2025 results also highlight key challenges, including a slight decrease in deceased donation, the continued consolidation of donation after circulatory death (DCD), and an increase in family refusal rates. Addressing these challenges requires sustained efforts in family communication, public awareness, collaborative work and continuous learning.
👉 Official release by the Department of Health of the Government of Catalonia:
https://trasplantaments.gencat.cat/ca/detall/noticia/Laltruisme-dels-donants-permet-fer-1.356-trasplantaments-dorgans-a-Catalunya-lany-2025
At DTI Foundation, we reaffirm our commitment to analysis, training and international knowledge exchange to help strengthen organ donation and transplantation systems worldwide.
TPM in Italy 2025: Strengthening Transplant Systems Through Long-Term Impact
In 2025, the Transplant Procurement Management (TPM) programme in Italy once again demonstrated its strategic importance in strengthening organ donation and transplantation systems nationwide. With a sustained presence across multiple regions, TPM continues to serve as a cornerstone for professional capacity building, directly impacting the quality, efficiency and ethical standards of donation processes.
Throughout the year, TPM courses were delivered across Italy, bringing together hundreds of healthcare professionals involved in donor detection, management and coordination. These training activities not only reinforced technical competencies, but also fostered a shared culture of excellence, collaboration and responsibility within the Italian transplant community.
TPM Italy 2025 in numbers and reach:
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52nd National TPM Course – Pomezia (Rome)
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9th and 10th TPM Campania – Caserta and Salerno
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8th TPM Emilia-Romagna – Bologna
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8th TPM Tuscany – Florence
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3rd TPM Piedmont & Valle d’Aosta – Turin
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5th TPM Puglia – Bari
The impact of these programmes goes beyond the classroom. By strengthening donor management skills and decision-making processes, TPM directly contributes to improved donation outcomes and, ultimately, to saving more lives through transplantation.
This long-standing success is the result of a solid collaboration between Italian institutions and DTI Foundation, built over decades and rooted in shared values of quality, consistency and continuous improvement.
DTI Foundation would like to express its sincere gratitude to Sara Mascarin, Chair of the National TPM Course in Italy and consultant at the Centro Nazionale Trapianti, for her leadership, vision and unwavering commitment to the programme. Special thanks also go to Gabriela Morini, whose essential role in organisation and technical coordination ensures the continuity and excellence of TPM activities year after year.
“El impacte del TPM a Itàlia és una mostra clara de com la formació transforma sistemes i salva vides.”
DTI Foundation remains proud to support TPM in Italy and to contribute to the development of resilient, well-trained transplant systems worldwide.
The 1st Family Approach Workshop in Oman comes to an end
The 1st Family Approach Workshop held in Oman has concluded with the participation of 29 professionals from six different nationalities: the Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Oman and India.
The training focused on key competencies related to the organ donation process, including family communication, breaking bad news and data gathering. The international and multidisciplinary nature of the group fostered a rich learning environment based on the exchange of experiences and best practices.
This initiative reflects DTI Foundation’s commitment to strengthening professional capacities and continuously improving organ donation systems.
The training activities continue with the launch of the 3rd edition of the National TPM Course, further advancing capacity building efforts in Oman.
A formative and human-centered event on organ donation and transplantation at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona
Hospital Clínic de Barcelona hosted a deeply inspiring event focused on organ donation and transplantation, organized by third- and fourth-year medical students from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Barcelona.
Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire transplantation process: from organizational systems and clinical procedures to the role of OCATT – the Catalan Transplant Organization, donation from a religious perspective, and, most notably, the testimonies of transplant recipients. These first-hand experiences brought a powerful human dimension to the event and highlighted the real-life impact of organ donation.
The event benefited from the collaboration of Dr. Chloë Ballesté Delpierre, Dr. David Paredes-Zapata, Dr. Vicenç Torregrosa, and Jorge Twose (OCATT), as well as the participation of several patient associations: the Catalan Liver Transplant Association (ATHC), Club de la Cremallera, Donem Girona, ALCER, Fundación Aire, and the Jaume Arnó Renal Foundation. Their experience and commitment added invaluable human depth to the initiative.
This event clearly demonstrates that medical education goes beyond technical and scientific knowledge and is also built on empathy, social commitment, and vocation.
📹 A video highlighting the event is available on our LinkedIn post:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7405593464798859265
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible.