Combined heart-lung transplantation: a perspective on the past and the future

Pediatr Cardiol. 2013 Feb;34(2):207-12. doi: 10.1007/s00246-012-0397-2. Epub 2012 Jun 10.

Abstract

During the last 20 years, there has been a shift away from combined heart-lung transplantation (HLT) in favor of bilateral lung transplantation. This paradigm shift allowed for the donor heart to be transplanted to another patient. However, HLT remains to be the definitive surgical treatment for certain congenital heart disorders and Eisenmenger's syndrome. With a growing population of adult patients with congenital heart disease, there remains a need for HLT. This article provides a perspective on the past and the future of HLT.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Eisenmenger Complex / surgery*
  • Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Forecasting*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / surgery*
  • Heart-Lung Transplantation / trends*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome