Should there be an age limit for advanced therapies?

J Card Surg. 2022 Dec;37(12):4446-4447. doi: 10.1111/jocs.17018. Epub 2022 Oct 13.

Abstract

Combined heart lung transplant has become a rare procedure. However, there is a significant number of patients potentially benefitting from replacement of both heart and lungs. This represents a quite diverse patient population. Decisions in patient selection have to be adjusted to individual needs and distinct constellation of the patient. Age may be a risk factor, but should be carefully integrated into the evaluation of perioperative and long term risks.

Keywords: age limit; heart lung transplant; patient selection.

MeSH terms

  • Heart Transplantation*
  • Heart-Lung Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Lung
  • Lung Transplantation* / methods
  • Patient Selection
  • Risk Factors