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Updated: Oct 16, 2025

A High-Fidelity Porcine Model of Orthotopic Heart Transplantation Following Donation after Circulatory Death
Published on: June 6, 2025
Current Status of and Opinions on Heart Transplantation in China
Yong-Feng Sun1, Zhi-Wen Wang1, Jing Zhang1
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
Insights
Recent advances in heart transplantation in China are improving survival and quality of life for patients with end-stage heart failure. This review details progress, challenges, and trends in Chinese heart transplant programs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Chronic heart failure remains a significant health burden with high long-term morbidity and mortality despite advances in medical and device therapies.
- Heart transplantation is a critical treatment option for end-stage heart failure, but faces persistent challenges.
- Significant progress in recent years offers hope for improved outcomes in heart transplant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of recent advancements in heart transplantation within China.
- To discuss the unique characteristics, current challenges, and future trends of heart transplantation in China.
- To highlight experiences and insights from Wuhan Union Hospital's heart transplantation program.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in heart transplantation.
- Analysis of current challenges and development trends in China.
- Case study/experience sharing from a leading Chinese transplant center.
Main Results:
- Multiple recent innovations are poised to enhance survival rates and improve the quality of life for heart transplant recipients in China.
- The review identifies specific characteristics and ongoing issues pertinent to heart transplantation in the Chinese context.
- Wuhan Union Hospital's experiences offer valuable insights into the practical application and development of heart transplantation.
Conclusions:
- Ongoing advancements in heart transplantation are crucial for managing end-stage heart failure in China.
- Addressing current challenges and adopting new trends will further optimize patient outcomes.
- Collaborative efforts and shared experiences are vital for the continued growth of heart transplantation in China.
Abstract:
The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive update on recent advances in heart transplantation in China. Despite advances in pharmacologic and device treatment of chronic heart failure, long-term morbidity and mortality remain high, and many patients progress to endstage heart failure. Heart transplantation has become standard treatment for selected patients with end-stage heart failure, though challenges still exist. However, multiple advances over the past few years will improve the survival and quality-of-life of heart transplant recipients. This article elaborates on the specific characteristics of heart transplantation in China, the current issues, development trends, and related experiences with heart transplantation in Wuhan Union Hospital.
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