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Heart and heart-lung transplantation: program, development, organization, and initiation.
The Journal of Heart Transplantation
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Establishing a successful heart transplant program requires more than just cyclosporine. A dedicated team, institutional commitment, and resources are crucial for patient survival and rehabilitation in cardiac transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Surgery
Background:
- Cardiac transplantation has seen a significant increase in procedures worldwide since 1967.
- The introduction of cyclosporine has improved transplant recipient survival rates, leading to a rapid expansion of heart transplant centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define guidelines for establishing new cardiac transplant programs.
- To elucidate organizational details for implementing successful transplant programs based on institutional experience.
Main Methods:
- Review of cardiac transplant procedures and survival rates.
- Analysis of factors contributing to transplant success beyond immunosuppression.
- Experience-based framework for program development.
Main Results:
- Cyclosporine has improved survival but is insufficient alone for optimal outcomes.
- Experienced transplant centers achieve superior survival and rehabilitation.
- Key elements for success include institutional commitment, resources, attention to detail, and a dedicated transplant team.
Conclusions:
- Successful cardiac transplantation necessitates a comprehensive approach beyond immunosuppression.
- Guidelines and organizational strategies are essential for new programs to achieve high-level outcomes.
- A multidisciplinary transplant team is paramount for patient success.