Is shortage of heart donors a real problem? Insights from a Brazilian Mid-West heart transplant program.

Background And Aim Of The Study: In developed countries, the shortage of viable donors is the main limiting factor of heart transplantation. The aim of this study is to determine whether the same reality applies to Brazil.

Methods: Between January 2012 and December 2014, 299 adult heart donor offers were studied in terms of donor profiles and reasons for refusal.

Experience of ECMO in primary graft dysfunction after orthotopic heart transplantation.

Background: Primary graft dysfunction is the main cause of early mortality after heart transplantation. Mechanical circulatory support has been used to treat this syndrome.

Objective: Describe the experience with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to treat post-transplant primary cardiac graft dysfunction.

Addition of long-distance heart procurement promotes changes in heart transplant waiting list status.

Objective: Evaluate the addition of long-distance heart procurement on a heart transplant program and the status of heart transplant recipients waiting list.

Methods: Between September 2006 and October 2012, 72 patients were listed as heart transplant recipients. Heart transplant was performed in 41 (57%), death on the waiting list occurred in 26 (36%) and heart recovery occurred in 5 (7%).