Donation after circulatory death improves probability of heart transplantation in waitlisted candidates and results in post-transplant outcomes similar to those achieved with brain dead donors

Utilization of DCD hearts confers a higher probability of transplantation and a lower incidence of death/deterioration while on the waitlist, particularly among certain subpopulations such as Status 4 candidates. Importantly, use of DCD donors results in similar post-transplant survival as DBD donors.