Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
Murine Heterotopic Heart Transplant Technique
Published on: July 8, 2014
Fourth time cardiac retransplantation
Hannah Copeland1, Monica Gustafson, Romana Coelho-Anderson
1University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
Insights
A 37-year-old man remains fully active after undergoing four heart transplants starting at age 11. This case highlights the complexities and ethical considerations of multiple cardiac retransplantation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Recurrent graft failure necessitates retransplantation.
- Multiple cardiac retransplantation is rare and technically challenging.
- Long-term outcomes after multiple heart transplants are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document a unique case of quadruple heart transplantation.
- To explore the decision-making process for repeated cardiac retransplantation.
- To discuss the ethical considerations surrounding multiple organ transplants.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient undergoing four heart transplants.
- Review of clinical course, surgical interventions, and outcomes.
- Discussion of ethical frameworks and decision-making strategies.
Main Results:
- The patient, transplanted at ages 11, 14, 18, and 22, is now 37 and fully active.
- Successful long-term survival and functional recovery after four cardiac retransplants.
- Demonstrates the feasibility of complex, multi-stage cardiac allograft replacement.
Conclusions:
- Multiple cardiac retransplantation can lead to favorable long-term outcomes.
- Careful patient selection and multidisciplinary decision-making are crucial.
- This case provides valuable insights into managing end-stage heart failure through repeated transplantation.
Abstract:
Beginning at age 11 years, our patient has had four heart transplants. Now, 26 years later at age 37, he is fully active. This case is presented to document a unique experience and to consider the difficult decision-making process and ethical issues of multiple cardiac retransplantation.
