Multi-Organ Transplant Surgery

You will undergo evaluation for each organ being considered for transplant. For instance, if you need a heart-kidney transplant, you will meet with both the heart transplant team and the kidney transplant team for extensive testing. Depending on your health condition, you may have blood tests, X-rays, biopsies, and other tests.

If your transplant teams determine that multi-organ transplant is best for you, your name will be added to the national transplant waitlist for each organ. The lists are managed by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), which matches available organs with recipients based on factors such as medical need, blood type, and geographic location, with the weakest organ receiving priority. Most multi-organ transplant recipients receive organs from a single donor, since this reduces the risk of rejection.

A transplant coordinator will guide you through the process. Your coordinator will help educate you, assist with scheduling appointments, and help you stay healthy while you wait for a transplant. You can also access support services such as financial counseling and psychological support.