Improving the Prioritization of Heart Transplantation Candidates for Optimal Clinical Outcomes: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Purpose of review: This narrative review evaluates the limitations of current heart transplantation allocation models, which prioritize medical urgency and waitlist time but fail to adequately predict long-term post-transplant outcomes. It aims to identify advanced metrics that can strengthen the prioritization framework while addressing persistent racial, geographic, and socioeconomic inequities in access to transplantation.

Recent findings: Recent research indicates that incorporating frailty, nutritional status, immunological compatibility, and pulmonary hemodynamics into allocation frameworks can enhance the prediction of transplant outcomes. The growing use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) as a bridge to transplantation provides stabilization for critically ill patients; however, disparities in access persist. Studies continue to emphasize the barriers faced by minority and pediatric populations, highlighting the need for expanded donor networks and improved matching criteria. This review highlights the necessity of shifting transplantation prioritization toward multidimensional candidate evaluations that consider both clinical complexity and long-term outcomes. Policy reforms aimed at addressing healthcare disparities and optimizing donor utilization are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Future research should focus on assessing the effectiveness of advanced allocation models, such as continuous distribution frameworks, to promote equitable and sustainable transplantation systems.

Keywords: Advanced metrics for prioritization; Equitable allocation; Heart transplantation prioritization.