Combined heart-liver-kidney transplant: The university of Chicago medicine experience

Background Until recently, combined heart-liver-kidney transplantation was considered too complex or too high-risk an option for patients with end-stage heart failure who present with advanced liver and kidney failure as well. Aims The objective of this paper is to present our institution's best practices for successfully executing this highly challenging operation. At our institution, referral patterns are most often initiated through the cardiac team. Results Determinants of successful outcomes include diligent multidisciplinary patient selection, detailed perioperative planning, and choreographed care transition and coordination among all transplant teams. The surgery proceeds in three distinct phases with three different teams, linked seamlessly in planned handoffs. The selection and perioperative care are executed with determined collaboration of all of the invested care teams. Conclusions Combined heart-liver-kidney transplantation can be successfully done by careful selection, coordination, and execution.