title: Heart transplantation. An update and review.
abstract: Since the 1(st) heart transplant was performed over 30 y ago, recipients have benefited from dramatic improvements in survival and quality of life following the procedure. Approximately 3 500 people worldwide now undergo heart transplantation each year. The vast majority of patients will have no limitations in their daily activities and will remain free of re-hospitalization after the 1(st) year. The median survival following heart transplant is now 9 y, and it remains the treatment of choice for children and adults with end-stage heart disease despite emerging therapies. This article will review patient selection, perioperative management issues, medical management of recipients, and future trends in the treatment of this patient population.
authors.affiliation: Stanford University School of Medicine, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA. frances.johnson2@med.va.gov
authors.forename: F L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018579:Patient Selection; D011788:Quality of Life
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents