Heart Transplant in LATAM: experience, outcomes and perspectives

Montes L.; Gómez-Gutiérrez M.A.; Gilbert M.; Gaiotto F.; Antelo M.; Soplopuco F.; Absi D.; Echeverria L.E.; Prieto G. · JHLT Open (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.jhlto.2026.100665

Resumen

Heart failure is a global health challenge with significant impacts on quality of life and healthcare systems. Heart transplantation remains the gold standard for select patients with end-stage heart failure, yet access in Latin America is limited by economic constraints, systemic barriers, and inequities in infrastructure. Despite contributing less than 7% of global Heart transplant procedures, LATAM has made important strides, with countries like Argentina demonstrating success in increasing donor rates through presumed consent legislation. However, disparities in donor availability, centralized heart transplant centers, and survival outcomes persist. This article reviews LATAM's historical contributions, current state, and challenges in heart transplant, identifying critical barriers such as the absence of unified transplant registries, limited access to advanced technologies like LVADs and ECMO, and a shortage of specialized training programs. Cultural attitudes and misconceptions surrounding organ donation further compound these issues. Solutions discussed include establishing a regional transplant registry to improve data transparency, leveraging regional collaboration to expand donor pools, and implementing public awareness campaigns to address cultural barriers. With concerted efforts in education, legislation, cost reduction, and technology integration, LATAM has the potential to significantly improve heart transplant access and outcomes. This transformation would save countless lives and position the region as a key contributor to global advancements in heart transplant.