A Masterclass in Donor Call

There is significant variability in how donor calls are managed between heart transplant surgeons and cardiologists, as well as in trainee exposure to this critical skill. With recent OPTN requirements mandating review and decision-making within 30 minutes for both DBD and DCD offers, developing efficient frameworks and heuristics for donor selection is essential.

This session will provide a practical approach to navigating the complexity and time sensitivity of donor evaluation, highlighting strategies to advance and optimize decision-making. Faculty will share key lessons from experienced clinicians, along with insights into evolving practices, including multi-organ donor selection and the use of external procurement teams.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evolving regulatory and clinical landscape of donor selection, including OPTN requirements for timely review and decision-making for DBD and DCD offers.
• Apply structured decision-making frameworks to evaluate complex donor offers, including multi-organ and DCD donors, optimizing timeliness, risk assessment, and recipient outcomes.
• Integrate best practices in interdisciplinary donor call management, including collaboration between transplant surgeons and cardiologists, trainee engagement, and effective use of external procurement teams.