Listing, Donor Allocation and Optimization of the Pre-transplant Patient

Once evaluation as a potential transplant candidate is complete, there are still many processes that a patient must undergo before receiving a donor heart. All transplant candidates spend time on the waitlist after listing; the current donor heart shortage means that unfortunately, waitlist mortality remains a significant problem [1]. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the listing process, the current US system of heart allocation as well as current controversies and potential changes; finally, optimization of the patient prior to transplant will also be covered.