Heart Transplantation and Donation After Circulatory Death in Children. A Review of the Technological, Logistical and Ethical Framework

Heart transplants from donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors are well-established for adults in the United Kingdom, but extending this practice to pediatric heart transplants has been slow and difficult despite a severe donor shortage. Barriers include ethical concerns, technology gaps, and logistical challenges. This article urges action to establish a sustainable pediatric DCD cardiac program in the United Kingdom and offers insights for other countries facing similar issues.