Multi-Organ Transplant

To qualify for a multi-organ transplant, you must meet the different criteria for each organ type—in the same way as those only having one organ transplanted.

Our abdominal transplant and heart transplant leaders review each referral for multi-organ transplant together. Then, if you may be a candidate, you’ll proceed to a thorough testing and evaluation process for all the types of organs that will be transplanted.  Based on the results of those test, you may be listed for a multi-organ transplant.

Multi-organ transplants require a detailed evaluation before transplant, careful coordination on the day of transplant and focused follow-up after the procedure. Because receiving multiple organs puts additional stress on the body, you’ll need even more support and detailed care.

The multi-organ transplant process can take time, so the sooner you start the process, the better. This type of procedure is also not a good fit for every person. Our team provides you with a personalized plan of care—whether it’s a multi-organ procedure or another option.

Our team reviews many factors when qualifying patients for a transplant. We will help you understand the criteria for your transplant and answer your questions.

It is possible to qualify for one transplant but not qualify for the other transplant type. You may be unable to have either transplant if one of the organs is too diseased to safely perform any transplant procedure.

Occasionally, you’ll receive more than one organ during the same surgical procedure. However, this is more common for heart-liver transplants than heart-kidney. Sometimes, your new heart will be transplanted first. Then, we’ll monitor you for eight to 12 hours. Once the heart is stabilized, you’ll return to the operating room to receive your new kidney or liver.

Multi-organ transplant recipients with a living donor for the kidney or liver may have additional time between the two procedures to optimize care.

In some cases, both organs come from the same donor. However, you can also receive a heart from a deceased donor and a kidney or liver from a living donor. 

When possible, we encourage you to look for a living kidney or liver donor to help improve the multi-organ transplant process. With a living donor, we’re able to coordinate the kidney or liver transplant portion of your multi-organ transplant at the most favorable time for your health. Learn more about Living Donor Transplant.