Table 1. United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) heart allocation algorithm (adapted from http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/ContentDocuments/OPTN_Policies.pdf#nameddest=Policy_6_Allocation_of_Hearts_a) dated September 1, 2013—accessed January 17, 2014.

Status level	Category
Status 1A	Transplant candidate must be admitted to listing transplant center hospital and have at least one of the following devices or therapies in place
	(I) Mechanical circulatory support for acute hemodynamic decompensation that includes at least one of the following:
	(i) left and/or right ventricular assist device implanted candidates may be listed for 30 days under this criterion at any point after being implanted if treating physicians determine they are clinically stable—admittance to hospital not required
	(ii) total artificial heart
	(iii) intra-aortic balloon pump; or
	(iv) extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO)
	(II) Mechanical circulatory support with objective medical evidence of significant device-related complications
	(III) Continuous mechanical ventilation
	(IV) Continuous infusion of a single high-dose intravenous inotrope or multiple intravenous inotropes, in addition to continuous hemodynamic monitoring of left ventricular filling pressures
Status 1B	Transplant candidate listed must have at least one of the following devices or therapies in place
	(I) Left and/or right ventricular assist device implanted; or
	(II) Continuous infusion of intravenous inotropes
Status 2	A transplant candidate who does not meet the criteria for Status 1A or 1B
Status 7	A transplant candidate who is considered temporarily unsuitable to receive a heart transplant