Cardiac re-transplantation (ReTx) accounts for a small proportion of the patients undergoing heart transplantation every year. However, due to improved patient management following transplant, the number of patients potentially requiring re-transplant is growing. We will review the current epidemiology of ReTx and describe the potential increase in candidates for ReTx. We will also highlight important characteristics of patients undergoing ReTx including co-morbidities and allosensitization. We will summarize single-center and registry data on patient outcomes following ReTx, and discuss patient selection. Finally, we will outline the management of patients following cardiac ReTx as well as alternate therapies and ethical considerations in cardiac ReTx.
Part of the book: Heart Transplantation