Organ Retrieval Infrastructure

Very few potential donor hearts were used for research in the UK between 2008 and 2023. Participants agreed that a formal national research retrieval system should include communication materials, trained clinicians, follow-up mechanisms, and public engagement. The absence of cardiothoracic retrieval teams at many retrieval procedures prevents research use even when families have consented. Short cardiac warm ischaemia tolerance creates a major logistical barrier to using hearts for transplant or research.