Cardiac transplantation: the University of Florida experience
Schofield, R.S.; Aranda, J.M.; Staples, E.D.; Hill, J.A.
Clinical transplants 1997: 199-208
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0890-9016 PMID: 9919405 Document Number: 480600
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.