Heart transplantation in Vienna: 25 years of experience

Summary Since the beginning of the University of Vienna Cardiac Transplant Program in 1984, 1113 heart transplant procedures have been performed through August of 2008. One- and five-year survival has increased steadily over time (82% and 76%). Ten-year survival is 65%. Over the past 25 years our program has seen dramatic changes in patient selection, accepting now patients with more risk factors (e.g. age, diabetes, elevated pulmonary resistance). Developments in immunosuppression have decreased incidence of infection, rejection and graftarteriosclerosis continuously. Our program continues to pursue novel strategies to improve the survival and quality of life of our heart transplant patients.