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Published on: July 18, 2014
Heart transplantation. An update and review
1Stanford University School of Medicine, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA. frances.johnson2@med.va.gov
Insights
Heart transplantation has significantly improved survival and quality of life for end-stage heart disease patients. This procedure offers long-term benefits, with median survival now at 9 years.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Over 30 years since the first heart transplant, significant advancements have been made.
- Approximately 3,500 heart transplantations are performed globally each year.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current practices and future trends in heart transplantation.
- To discuss patient selection, perioperative, and long-term medical management of heart transplant recipients.
Main Methods:
- Review of patient selection criteria.
- Analysis of perioperative management strategies.
- Examination of medical management protocols for recipients.
Main Results:
- Heart transplant recipients experience dramatically improved survival and quality of life.
- Most patients have no daily activity limitations and remain free of re-hospitalization after the first year.
- Median survival following heart transplant is now 9 years.
Conclusions:
- Heart transplantation remains the gold standard treatment for end-stage heart disease in adults and children.
- Ongoing research and evolving therapies continue to enhance outcomes for heart transplant patients.
Abstract:
Since the 1(st) heart transplant was performed over 30 y ago, recipients have benefited from dramatic improvements in survival and quality of life following the procedure. Approximately 3 500 people worldwide now undergo heart transplantation each year. The vast majority of patients will have no limitations in their daily activities and will remain free of re-hospitalization after the 1(st) year. The median survival following heart transplant is now 9 y, and it remains the treatment of choice for children and adults with end-stage heart disease despite emerging therapies. This article will review patient selection, perioperative management issues, medical management of recipients, and future trends in the treatment of this patient population.
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