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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Murine Heterotopic Heart Transplant Technique
Published on: July 8, 2014
Cardiac transplantation: the University of Florida experience
R S Schofield1, J M Aranda, E D Staples
1Department of Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Florida Medical Center, Gainesville, USA.
Insights
Heart transplantation provides good outcomes for carefully selected end-stage congestive heart failure patients. Continued research into coronary artery bypass surgery and improved immunosuppression is vital for better results.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- End-stage congestive heart failure (CHF) necessitates advanced treatment options.
- Heart transplantation is a viable option for select CHF patients.
- Donor heart scarcity presents a significant challenge in transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of heart transplantation at the University of Florida between 1990-1996.
- To identify patient characteristics and factors influencing post-transplant survival.
- To highlight the need for alternative strategies for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 196 heart transplant cases.
- Survival rate calculation at 1, 3, and 5 years post-transplantation.
- Review of patient demographics and pre-transplant conditions.
Main Results:
- One, 3, and 5-year survival rates were 86%, 78%, and 74%, respectively.
- Typical recipient profile: 50-60 year old Caucasian male with ischemic cardiomyopathy.
- Outcomes compared favorably with international data.
Conclusions:
- Heart transplantation offers satisfactory outcomes for carefully selected end-stage CHF patients.
- High-risk coronary artery bypass surgery should be considered for eligible ischemic cardiomyopathy patients.
- Ongoing research in immunosuppression and graft vasculopathy is crucial for improving long-term results.
Abstract:
Heart transplantation offered satisfactory outcomes in carefully selected patients with end stage congestive heart failure treated at our institution from 1990-1996. At the University of Florida, our survival rates involving 196 heart transplants were 86%, 78% and 74%, respectively, at one, 3 and 5 years. This data compares favorably with international results. Our typical transplant recipient was a 50-60 year old caucasian male with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Based on this population and the severe shortage of donor hearts available, aggressive attempts must continue to identify patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy that may benefit (i.e. adequate target vessel, viable myocardium) from high-risk coronary artery bypass surgery. Infection, rejection and graft vasculopathy continue to influence morbidity and mortality after transplantation. Continued efforts aimed at the development of improved immunosuppression as well as prevention and containment of coronary vasculopathy are needed if these results are to be significantly improved.
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