Lactate during ex-situ heart perfusion does not predict the requirement for mechanical circulatory support following donation after circulatory death (DCD) heart transplants.

Background: Ex-situ heart perfusion (ESHP) is commonly used for the reanimation and preservation of hearts following donation after circulatory determined death (DCD). The only commercially available existing ESHP device promotes perfusate lactate levels for assessment of heart viability. The reliability of this marker is yet to be confirmed for DCD heart transplantation.