After 50 Years of Heart Transplants: What Does the Next 50 Years Hold for Cardiovascular Medicine? A Perspective From the International Society for Applied Cardiovascular Biology

Abstract

The first successful heart transplant 50 years ago by Dr.Christiaan Barnard in Cape Town, South Africa revolutionized cardiovascular medicine and research. Following this procedure, numerous other advances have reduced many contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; yet, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally. Various unmet needs in cardiovascular medicine affect developing and underserved communities, where access to state-of-the-art advances remain out of reach. Addressing the remaining challenges in cardiovascular medicine in both developed and developing nations will require collaborative efforts from basic science researchers, engineers, industry, and clinicians. In this perspective, we discuss the advancements made in cardiovascular medicine since Dr. Barnard's groundbreaking procedure and ongoing research efforts to address these medical issues. Particular focus is given to the mission of the International Society for Applied Cardiovascular Biology (ISACB), which was founded in Cape Town during the 20th celebration of the first heart transplant in order to promote collaborative and translational research in the field of cardiovascular medicine.

Interdisciplinary Methods for Zoonotic Tissue Acellularization for Natural Heart Valve Substitute of Biomimetic Materials

“…Therefore, the animal origin cardiac tissue, especially those derived from pigs that are free from α-Gal, can be an attractive source for tissue engineered animal origin prosthesis. Decellularization protocols may differ by the type of the elaborated tissue [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ], the amount of the removed cells, or preservation level of extracellular matrix [ 29 ]. Unfortunately, using these protocols, it is impossible to remove all cells within the sample tissue.…”

Situation-specific theory of surgical site infection-related stimuli in patients undergoing heart transplantation

“…Heart transplantation has been conducted for more than 50 years, [10] however, nursing has not yet developed a theory on the care of patients undergoing this type of surgical procedure. SSI is a possible complication of heart transplantation significantly associated with morbidity and mortality.…”