Forum
Transplantation of the heart: An overview of 40 years' clinical and research experience at Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town: Part I. Surgical experience and clinical studies
J Hassoulas
Abstract
The heart transplant programme at Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town has continued uninterruptedly since the first human transplant in 1967. Orthotopic heart transplantation was followed by the heterotopic method in 1974, considerably improving the clinical results. In 1983, owing to the advent of cyclosporin A, the orthotopic method was once again predominantly adopted. Early graft failure for various reasons remains a major complication, and heterotopic heart transplantation is perhaps the best way to deal with it.
Author's affiliations
J Hassoulas, Medical School, University of Crete
Cite this article
South African Medical Journal 2012;102(6):350-352.
Article History
Date submitted: 2011-05-19
Date published: 2012-03-29
Article Views
Abstract views: 2955
Full text views: 10554
Comments on this article
*Read our policy for posting comments
here
Comments on this article
*Read our policy for posting comments here