Simultaneous transplantation.

Abstract

1. Thoracic organ transplantation requires extensive preparation with little advance notice. 2. A single organ transplant requires a team of various staff members, and may include one or two circulating nurses, two scrub technologists or nurses, one perfusionist, one surgeon's assistant, two surgeons, and one anesthesiologist. 3. Timing is important in organ transplantation because thoracic organs ideally should be transplanted within four hours after cross-clamping the aorta of the donor. 4. The dedication, expertise, and thorough follow-up care provided by transplant surgeons, nurse transplant coordinators, organ procurement coordinators, and the CICU and coronary care nurses/departments directly relate to the success of a thoracic organ transplant program.