Great Debates in Allocation: Will We Ever Get It Right?

This debate-style session explores key controversies in heart transplantation and organ allocation, including LVAD-first vs. transplant-first strategies, the role of exception pathways, and kidney allocation approaches.

Learning Objectives

• Compare LVAD-first and transplant-first allocation strategies and their impact on patient outcomes, equity, and resource use.
• Evaluate common complex listing and allocation scenarios (e.g., heart–kidney strategies, ACHD patients, exception pathways) and determine appropriate approaches.
• Apply clinical and ethical principles to assess proposed changes to the heart allocation system and their potential impact on access and outcomes.