Since its groundbreaking inception in 1954 with the first successful kidney transplant, 1,2 organ transplantation has played a pivotal role in modern medicine, providing a lifeline to patients with end-stage organ failure. This revolution continued, as organ transplantation expanded from kidneys to encompass liver, heart, lung, and bone marrow transplants, illuminating the path to a brighter future for those in need. In 2015, over 125,000 organs were transplanted globally7 with an average of 4.3 life-years are saved per solid organ transplant recipient in the United States.8

The realm of organ transplantation has expanded widely over the past 60 years, and contributed to multiple medical and procedural advancements9 including the development of the immunosuppressive drugs,10 and procedures that contribute to the longevity and function of the transplanted organ. While research, innovation and dedicated medical expertise continue to propel this field, beneath the remarkable achievements of modern medicine, a disconcerting reality persists—a landscape impacted by glaring inequities in access to these interventions.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 Socioeconomic, geographic, racial, and cultural disparities have been present in our society since the first successful transplant, and their presence is still felt today.

This article aims to explore the existing disparities in organ transplantation and transplant interventions. By analyzing the current state of transplant interventions, identifying contributing factors to disparities, and highlighting potential solutions, this paper seeks to shed light on the critical need for adequately addressing these inequalities as well as the role of the interventional radiologist in mitigating these disparities.