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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
[Heart transplantation in Japan]
Norihide Fukushima1, Hikaru Matsuda
1Department of Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine.
Insights
Japanese heart transplantation (HTx) has shown promising results since 1999, with all 16 recipients surviving. Many patients received left ventricular assist devices (LVAS), and most have been discharged and returned to work.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Transplantation Medicine
- Medical Technology
Context:
- Organ transplantation from brain-dead donors commenced in Japan in February 1999.
- Over three years, 91 patients received organ transplants from 22 donors.
- By November 2002, 132 patients were registered as heart transplant candidates.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the outcomes of heart transplantation (HTx) in Japan.
- To assess the utilization and impact of left ventricular assist devices (LVAS) in HTx recipients.
- To analyze patient survival, complications, and quality of life post-transplantation.
Summary:
- 16 heart transplantations (HTx) were performed in Japan, with an additional 9 abroad.
- 37 patients died while awaiting transplantation.
- 11 of the 16 HTx recipients in Japan were supported with a left ventricular assist device (LVAS).
- All 16 HTx recipients in Japan survived, with successful management of rejection and infection episodes.
- 13 recipients were discharged, and 9 returned to work, indicating a positive functional recovery.
Impact:
- Demonstrates the feasibility and success of heart transplantation in Japan.
- Highlights the role of LVAS as a crucial bridge to recovery or long-term support.
- Provides evidence of improved patient survival and quality of life after heart transplantation.
Abstract:
Since February 1999, organ transplantation from a brain-dead donor has been started in Japan. For more than 3 years, 91 patients underwent organ transplantation from 22 donors. Until November 2002, 132 patients have been registered to Japan Organ Transplant Network as a heart transplant candidate and 16 and 9 underwent heart transplantation (HTx) in Japan and abroad, respectively, while 37 died during waiting. 11 of 16 HTx recipients were implanted with left ventricular assist device (LVAS: Novacor in 2, TCI-IP in 2 and NCVC in 7). all 16 HTx recipients survived until now. 4 had several rejection episodes which were treated successfully. 5 had infection episodes (pneumonia in 3 and CMV infection in 2). 13 were already discharged and 9 returned to work.
