In response to the worldwide shortage of donor hearts for transplantation, a research team at Papworth Hospital, has developed a new technique that significantly increases the number of hearts available for transplantation.

The research shows that heart transplants from a new group of potential donors - known as DCD transplantation or ‘Non-Beating Heart Transplantation’ - could save hundreds of lives internationally as the heart transplant waiting list continues to grow. This innovative technique has enabled surgeons at Papworth to utilise donor hearts which were previously considered too damaged to transplant. 

For many people their only hope of life is a transplant; however in 2015 1,300 people died waiting for an organ.The DCD programme at Papworth could increase the number of hearts available for transplantation by almost 50% but without a national programme to provide funding, Papworth Hospital is relying solely on the generosity of charitable donations.