Why are partial heart transplants important?

Partial heart transplantation, also known as living valve implantation, has the potential to revolutionize neonatal heart surgery and pediatric heart transplantation. This procedure offers a safer and more durable alternative to other valve operations for infants with valvular heart disease. It is technically similar to implanting a homograft, making it familiar to congenital heart surgeons. While there are ethical considerations, such as the potential impact on the heart transplant waiting list, partial heart transplantation could also address racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the best candidates for the procedure and the optimal immunosuppressive needs. Overall, partial heart transplantation shows promise in improving the care of these complex patients. [Extracted from the article]