Nonsimultaneous kidney exchange chains simplify the logistics

There are lots of good reasons why nonsimultaneous extended altruistic donor (NEAD) chains are a good idea, and they have become common since the first one, reported by Rees et al., particularly because they permit more transplants to be accomplished.

But, another reason, as the following story makes clear, is just that they ease the logistics...
Second Patient Kidney Exchange Takes Place in NC

"The first of the surgeries, Dean’s laparoscopic nephrectomy, had been scheduled for 7:30 in the morning, but surgeon Deepak Vikraman didn’t start his work until nearly noon. “Things always start later than they’re supposed to,” Ellis said.

It was just logistical issues, he said. “And because that one was later, that pushed everything back,” Ellis said. “They just had to wait [to do the second set or surgeries] until they got all the logistics straightened out.”