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Updated: May 5, 2026

Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
Management of the ACC/AHA Stage D patient: cardiac transplantation
Michelle M Kittleson1, Jon A Kobashigawa
1Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Insights
Cardiac transplantation is a key therapy for end-stage heart disease when other treatments fail. This overview covers heart transplant evaluation, physiology, immunosuppression, and complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplant Surgery
Background:
- Cardiac transplantation has evolved over 40 years.
- It is the preferred therapy for select patients with end-stage heart disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of heart transplantation in the current era.
- Focus on evaluation, physiology, immunosuppression, and complications.
Main Methods:
- Review of current practices in heart transplantation.
- Focus on patient selection criteria.
- Discussion of post-transplant management.
Main Results:
- Heart transplantation is indicated for refractory heart failure, angina, or arrhythmias.
- The article details the physiological changes in a transplanted heart.
- Covers early and long-term complications.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac transplantation remains a vital treatment option for advanced heart failure.
- Understanding the comprehensive aspects of heart transplantation is crucial for patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Over the last 4 decades, cardiac transplantation has become the preferred therapy for select patients with end-stage heart disease. Heart transplantation is indicated in patients with heart failure despite optimal medical and device therapy, manifesting as intractable angina, refractory heart failure, or intractable ventricular arrhythmias. This article provides an overview of heart transplantation in the current era, focusing on the evaluation process for heart transplantation, the physiology of the transplanted heart, immunosuppressive regimens, and early and long-term complications.
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