Partial heart transplants improve pediatric cardiac care globally

Partial heart transplants are becoming an important option for children with serious heart issues. These procedures address unique challenges, as young patients often require heart valves that can grow with them. Pediatric heart surgeons face difficult choices when treating infants with severe heart defects. Traditional methods often involve replacing valves, which do not grow as children do. This can lead to multiple surgeries and high risks. Dr. Taufiek Rajab from Arkansas Children's Hospital noted that the mortality rate for valve replacement is a concern. Dr. Douglas Overbey from Duke University Medical Center has been leading the development of partial heart transplants since 2022. This innovative approach allows surgeons to transplant living heart valves and muscle tissue into infants. The living tissues can grow with the child, decreasing the need for repeat operations. Since the first successful partial heart transplant, 30 surgeries have been conducted worldwide. Overbey and Rajab believe that this technique could open new doors for treating heart valve issues. Many hearts removed during transplants have functional valves that could be reused, benefiting other children. However, the success of these procedures also relies on efficient organ sharing and logistics. Organ procurement organizations need to create better strategies to allow more partial heart transplants to take place. Heart valve problems are common, particularly as people age. In babies, congenital heart disease affects about one in 100 births. While adults have various options for valve replacement, young children face limited choices. Traditional artificial valves often require replacement as kids grow, and the use of cadaver valves has its own challenges. Despite these obstacles, advances in technology and collaboration among medical professionals have made partial heart transplants a reality. The first human procedure in 2022 involved a 17-day-old infant named Owen. One year later, Owen's transplanted valves were growing well. Recently, Duke reported another success involving a living mitral valve transplant. An 11-year-old girl donated her healthy valves, which were used for two younger patients. All three children are doing well. Partial heart transplants represent a significant step forward in pediatric cardiac care. They offer new possibilities for treatment and aim to reduce the frequency of repeat surgeries. Overbey emphasized that the demand for living valves is high, and this procedure could help meet that need.