Abstract

Cardiac allograft evaluation and procurement are integral parts of the multiorgan donation process as cardiac function prior to brain death determination often has a critical impact on multiorgan function. In this chapter, the authors review the basic principles of cardiac assessment as well as maintaining cardiopulmonary function during the period after brain death determination to enhance overall cardiopulmonary as well as abdominal organ perfusion and function. They also review acceptable donor criteria, expanding the donor criteria to enhance organ availability, preservation solution selection and techniques and donor-recipient selection and matching to improve post transplant success.