Survival-times after cardiac allografts.

Abstract During the period May 2, 1968, to March 1, 1969, fifteen patients underwent cardiac transplantation for end-stage heart-disease. Their survival-time is compared with that of forty-two potential recipients who did not receive allografts. Mean survival of the potential recipients was 74 days. The average for the transplant patients was 111 days (including 22 days waiting-time before operation). This difference does not justify wide clinical application of cardiac transplantation, but is an indication for its use in suitable cases where it may prolong life and relieve symptoms.