ISHLT Novel Approaches for FDA Cleared Preservation Systems in Donation After Circulatory Death (DCD) Heart Transplantation Research Grant

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The purpose of this grant is to fund clinical research into novel techniques to expand the donor pool by making the recovery and transportation of DCD organs more cost-effective (reducing costs and/or improving outcomes). This research will focus on the use of FDA cleared hypothermic (4-8°C) preservation systems.

Published evidence has shown that the use of FDA cleared 4-8°C hypothermic preservation systems in Donation After Brain Death (DBD) heart recovery leads to both reduction in post-operative complications and reduction in overall transplant costs. DCD represents an expanding area of potential donors; however, costs and logistic burdens can be prohibitive for transplant programs. New technique innovations such as normothermic regional perfusion have the potential to address some of these cost burdens. Additionally, research in liver transplantation has demonstrated the benefits of “back-to-base” approaches towards the use of normothermic machine perfusion as a stationary tool post-hypothermic preservation. This grant aims to support proposals to improve equity of access to DCD hearts through the use of FDA cleared or equivalent, advanced hypothermic preservation for transportation in conjunction with innovative approaches at either end of the transplantation process.

Purpose

This grant will fund research that:

  • Has the potential to reduce the cost of DCD heart transplantation.
  • Utilizes FDA cleared hypothermic preservation systems for preservation during transportation of organs.
  • Innovates through either novel techniques or approaches at the DONOR site or RECIPIENT site, to enable access and evaluation of DCD hearts transported by hypothermic preservation.
    • Both in-situ and ex-situ organ management and evaluation approaches will be considered.
  • Research proposals should be either clinical or translational in nature, and consideration will be given for immediate applicability to clinical practice.

Basic science exploratory research and use of non-FDA cleared products, drugs or therapeutics will not be considered.

Grant Details

One grant of up to $75,000 will be awarded for two years.

Current Recipient