Heart Transplantation: Surgical Techniques and Postoperative Concerns

Abstract

Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) has evolved as the “gold standard” therapy for end stage cardiomyopathy, Advances in the fields of immunosuppression, infection prophylaxis and treatment, surgical techniques as well as intensice care management have transformed heart transplantation from what was once considered an experimental intervention into a standard therapy. This chapter focuses on the standard care for OHT including surgical techniques, perioperative management and management of common postoperative complications.