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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
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A Porcine Heterotopic Heart Transplantation Protocol for Delivery of Therapeutics to a Cardiac Allograft
Published on: February 14, 2022
Technologies of heart transplantation
1Morgan & Masterson, Brussels, Belgium. peggy@morgan-masterson.com
Medical Device Technology
|July 9, 2008
Insights
Forty years ago, the first human heart transplant was performed. This review assesses the significant advancements in heart transplantation since this pioneering procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Transplant Medicine
- Medical History
Background:
- The first human-to-human heart transplant was successfully performed in 1967.
- This landmark procedure marked a new era in treating end-stage heart failure.
Observation:
- The initial heart transplant faced numerous challenges, including organ rejection and limited immunosuppression.
- Early outcomes were often poor, with short patient survival rates.
Findings:
- Over four decades, heart transplantation has evolved dramatically.
- Improvements in surgical techniques, immunosuppressive therapies, and post-operative care have significantly enhanced patient survival and quality of life.
Implications:
- Heart transplantation is now a well-established and life-saving treatment option for eligible patients.
- Ongoing research continues to address challenges such as donor shortages and long-term graft survival.
Abstract:
It is now 40 years since the world's first heart transplant was performed at the Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. It is interesting to assess just how far heart transplantation has come since then.
