Another Look at Cardiac Xenotransplantation

Abstract

Clinical incentive for development of neonatal cardiac Xenotransplantation is clear. Approximately 10% of babies born with congenital heart disease might benefit from transplantation therapy, but human donor resources in this age group are limited. A scientific foundation upon which to base clinical trials of neonatal cardiac Xenotransplantation is presented. A single clinical case and its outcome is reviewed. What was learned from this case supports continued clinical trials in the form of xenograft “bridging” to allotransplantation. There are perhaps three potential impediments to progress in Xenotransplantation. These restrictions may be broadly categorized as: (1) immunological; (2) philosophical; and (3) sociological. None of these potential “barriers” is absolute and incentive is strong to continue exploration of neonatal cardiac Xenotransplantation. “Every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.” A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens