Selection of patients for heart transplant

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Transplant Surgery

Background:

• Cardiac transplant programs require careful selection of recipients and donors.
• The Texas Heart Institute revived its cardiac transplant program in 1982.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review medical criteria for heart transplant recipients and donors at the Texas Heart Institute between 1982 and 1986.
• To discuss changes in these criteria and their impact on recipient and donor pools.

Main Methods:

• Review of medical records and criteria for 163 cardiac transplants performed.
• Analysis of recipient and donor selection procedures.

Main Results:

• Relaxed recipient criteria increased the pool of medically qualified candidates.
• No corresponding increase in the donor pool was observed.
• 163 heart transplants were performed between 1982 and 1986.

Conclusions:

• Balancing recipient eligibility with donor availability is crucial for transplant programs.
• Ongoing evaluation of selection criteria is necessary to optimize outcomes.