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Updated: Oct 1, 2025

Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
[Heart Transplantation for Older Patients]
Yoshihisa Tanoue1, Akira Shiose
1Department of Advanced Cardiopulmonary Failure, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan.
Insights
Japan
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Increasing number of older organ donors in Japan.
- Aging recipient population due to longer waiting times for heart transplantation.
- Age over 60 is a critical criterion for heart transplantation in Japan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of heart transplantation using older donors and recipients.
- To highlight the increasing trend of marginal cases in heart transplantation.
- To emphasize the importance of careful donor and recipient evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 42 heart transplantations at an institution.
- Categorization of cases based on donor and recipient age (over 60).
- Review of patient discharge status.
Main Results:
- 12 cases involved donors over 60 years old.
- 7 cases involved recipients over 60 years old.
- 4 cases had both donor and recipient over 60; all patients were discharged home.
Conclusions:
- Heart transplantation with older donors and recipients is feasible and can achieve positive outcomes.
- The increasing prevalence of older donors and recipients necessitates careful evaluation of marginal cases.
- Thorough assessment of coronary lesions and comorbidities is crucial for successful transplantation decisions.
Abstract:
The number of older donors is increasing in the limited number of donors in Japan. The number of older donors is increasing, and recipients are also ageing as the waiting period for transplantation becomes longer. The age of 60 years is one of the most important criteria for heart transplantation in Japan. Forty-two heart transplantations performed in our institution, and 12 cases were from donors aged over 60 years and seven recipients were older than 60 years at the time of transplantation. In four cases, both donor and recipient were over 60 years of age. All of these patients were discharged home after transplantation. As the number of older donors and recipients is expected to increase in the future, the number of marginal cases based on the status of not only the donor but also the recipient is expected to increase. The evaluation of coronary lesions and the identification of comorbid diseases, including malignant diseases, will become more important. A positive and careful overall decision at the time of transplantation is essential.
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