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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 1999; 20(5): 439-444
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1009463
Copyright © 1999 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Controversies Surrounding the Current Status of Heart-lung Transplantation

Murray H. Kown, Robert C. Robbins
  • Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Combined heart-lung transplantation (HLT) was the initial transplant procedure used to treat Eisenmenger's syndrome, suppurative lung diseases, and primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). While HLT has certain inherent advantages and disadvantages, the past decade has seen bilateral sequential lung transplantation (BSLT) evolve as the operation of choice for the last two disorders. Despite this trend, however, HLT will continue to be a valuable procedure, particularly in the treatment of patients with complex congenital heart disorders associated with pulmonary vascular diseases.

Key Words:

Heart-lung transplantation - bilateral sequential lung transplantation - suppurative lung disease - pulmonary hypertension - Eisenmenger's syndrome

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