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[Results of the initial 50 heart transplantations in Zurich]
K Schneider1, R Siebenmann, L von Segesser
1Klinik für Herzgefässchirurgie, Universitätsspital Zürich.
Insights
The initial phase of a heart transplantation program saw 50 successful heart transplants. Early survival rates at one, two, and three years were 90.1% and 79.5%, respectively.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplant Surgery
Context:
- The establishment of a new heart transplantation program at the University Hospital in Zurich between September 1985 and December 1988.
- Evaluation of 160 patients for heart transplantation, with 50 undergoing the procedure.
Purpose:
- To report the outcomes and initial survival rates of the first 50 consecutive heart transplantations performed.
- To describe the follow-up treatment, immunosuppression protocols, and rejection diagnostics employed.
Summary:
- 50 orthotopic heart transplantations were performed with no operative mortality.
- Early mortality included two patients, with three late deaths.
- Actuarial survival rates for the first 50 heart transplant patients were 90.1% at one and two years, and 79.5% at three years.
Impact:
- Demonstrates the feasibility and initial success of a new heart transplantation program.
- Provides crucial data on early patient survival and outcomes in cardiac transplantation.
- Highlights the importance of comprehensive follow-up care, immunosuppression, and rejection monitoring.
Abstract:
During the first 40 months of the new Heart Transplantation Program (September 1985 until December 1988) a total of a 160 patients were evaluated for transplantation at the University Hospital in Zurich. 50 patients eventually came to heart transplantation, while one patient underwent a heart-lung transplant. In the same period 9 patients accepted for transplantation died on the waiting list before transplantation. All 50 hearts were transplanted orthotopically. Follow-up treatment, immunosuppression and diagnostics for rejection are described. There was no operative mortality in this group. Two patients died early and three died late. For the first consecutive 50 heart transplant patients, showing a total of 732 patient months, actuarial survival was calculated at 90.1% at one and two years, and at 79.5% at three years. "Enlarged Heart Transplantation Program" describes some of the secondary activities spurred by the new Heart Transplantation Program.