Heart transplantation in Berlin--1993 update.
Heart transplantation has become a routine procedure. Surgical techniques have been standardized and triple-drug immunosuppression has proven to be the most effective posttransplantation medical treatment. A shortage of donor organs has remained the major factor inhibiting extensive application of heart transplantation. Improved techniques of organ protection may eventually contribute to an extension of the donor pool. However, it seems to be more important to develop alternative procedures further (artificial heart, xenotransplantation, extended use of conservative surgical or medical treatment). The patient population undergoing heart transplantation will undoubtedly include more older, severely ill, polymorbid patients who are not suitable for alternative procedures. Pediatric heart transplantation may increase in the coming years and mechanical circulatory support will surely gain in importance for both adult and pediatric patients awaiting heart transplantation.
Hetzer
R
R
German Heart Institute Berlin.
Loebe
M
M
Hummel
M
M
Franz
N
N
Schueler
S
S
Friedel
N
N
Hennig
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001604:Berlin / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000628:therapy; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000502:physiology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011613:Psychotherapy; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data