Abstract

Heart transplantation, a surgical procedure in which a diseased or non-functioning heart is replaced with a healthy donor heart, has been performed successfully for more than 50 years. Since the first human heart transplant in 1967, advancements in surgery, organ preservation, immunosuppressive therapy, and management of complications have led to improved outcomes and increased survival rates. However, the demand for donor hearts far exceeds the supply, and long-term complications such as rejection, infection, and cardiovascular disease remain a challenge. This article will review the current state of heart transplantation, including indications, surgical techniques, immunosuppression, complications, and future directions.