Global observatory and database on donation and transplantation world overview on heart transplantations between 2008 and 2017

Abstract

Heart transplantation is an effective way of improving the quality of life and survival of patients in terminal heart failure. Multiple advances in the management of transplantation over the past few years will improve the survival and quality of life of heart transplant recipients. The shortage of donors limits the number of heart transplants, and the use of mechanical circulatory sup-port devices is increasing. Data from the Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation (GODT) of the WHO-ONT show that between 2008 and 2017 over 60,000 heart transplants were performed worldwide, ranking third among solid organ transplantation. Since 2008, the median heart transplant volume has been 6,110 procedures per year. Increasing the donor pool and improvement of the quality of life and survival of heart transplant recipients must be the main goals in future years. © Athens Medical Society.