Heart Transplant Donor Evaluation

Donated organs are always utilized locally first. If a donor match for the organ does not exist locally, the organ is then offered to a larger region, and then finally, it is offered nationally if no regional match is found.

All potential heart donors are assessed carefully to best match a heart for a recipient. Each donor organ undergoes an evaluation coordinated by our local organ procurement organization, LifeLink of Georgia. The organ procurement coordinator obtains a careful medical and social history. Each donor undergoes laboratory testing to see if there is any exposure to, or presence of, infectious diseases.

The final decision on whether or not a heart is suitable for a patient listed at Piedmont is made by our transplant surgeon. The surgeon goes to the donor hospital and sees the heart first-hand. Sometimes, a heart that appears suitable turns out to have a problem that is only seen when the transplant surgeon arrives.

It is common for patients waiting for a heart transplant to have one or more "dry runs." This is where you are admitted for transplantation only to discover that the donated organ is unacceptable. You are then discharged back home. These "dry runs" can be trying for you and your family. Knowing that "dry runs" are possible while waiting for heart transplantation is important.