Heart Transplant Innovation & Advanced Therapies

Advances in heart transplantation mean people are living well for longer than ever with donor hearts. Heart transplant innovation continues to be important. A combination of approaches that are being researched and developed may one day:

• Help meet the rising demand for heart transplants
• Provide options when not enough donor hearts are available
• Treat people who aren’t eligible for a heart transplant

What’s next for the total artificial heart?

The total artificial heart (TAH) is a mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device that replaces both of your heart’s ventricles. It’s different from a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), which supports the left side of your heart.

TAH is an option for people who can’t receive an LVAD or who have heart failure in both ventricles and are on the waitlist for a heart transplant. 

In the future, innovations may make the TAH smaller, with longer battery life and a reduced risk of infection. TAHs may become a destination therapy (a treatment that works for life, rather than a bridge to transplant) or it may replace heart transplantation.

What can we expect with stem cell and regenerative heart therapies?

Stem cells are cells that can develop into many different types of cells. They can turn into new heart cells to replace damaged cells. They may also:

• Stimulate tissue to repair itself
• Grow new blood vessels
• Help your body heal

Researchers are exploring new ways to safely use stem cells to reverse heart failure or improve heart function. It will take time to see what long-term outcomes with stem cell therapies are like. And it’s uncertain what stem cell treatments will be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Are heart transplants from animals or bioengineered transplants on the horizon?

Xenotransplantation is when tissues or organs from one species are transplanted into another. People have received heart valve implants from pigs and some people have received experimental pig heart transplants.

Rejection is a major issue with heart transplants from other species, but researchers are looking for ways to genetically modify pig hearts so human immune systems don’t attack them. Animal rights issues also need to be considered.

Organ or tissue bioengineering or printing (making organs or tissues in a lab) may eventually be an advanced cardiac therapy option. These types of treatments could reduce or even eliminate waitlists.

How will gene therapy and immune tolerance research help?

Researchers are studying ways to modify genes to help prevent heart transplant recipients from rejecting their new hearts. By tolerating transplants better, people may not need immunosuppressants. So they won’t be as likely to get infections.

What could these innovations mean for people with heart failure?

Heart transplant research and innovations could bring major benefits:

• More people may be candidates for heart transplants
• People will have fewer complications and hospitalizations
• Treatments like medications or MCS could become “bridge-to-future” treatments that people can use until new options are available

FAQs

Is an artificial heart available now?

Total artificial hearts (TAHs) are available now. But they are designed to replace the human heart and pump blood to your body while you wait for a donor heart. In the future, total artificial hearts may become permanent treatment options.

When will stem cell therapy be a standard treatment for heart failure?

Some stem cell treatments are available in clinical trials. They show promise, but it’s not clear when stem cells could become a standard treatment. Researchers are exploring ways that artificial intelligence (AI) might help them better understand the benefits and risks of stem cell treatments.

Can I get a heart transplant without lifelong medications?

Not at this time. You need to take immunosuppressant drugs for life to keep your immune system from rejecting the donor heart. While you might be able to lower your dosage of these drugs, you’ll always need to take them. Advances in gene therapy might someday mean immunosuppressants aren’t needed.

Learn more:

• Mechanical circulatory support
• Heart transplant overview
• Heart transplant FAQs

Why choose Banner Health for advanced and emerging heart care?

Banner Health is at the forefront of heart transplantation and overall heart care.

• We’re participating in clinical trials studying LVAD technology, stem cell therapies and ways to prevent transplant rejection.
• Our health care providers are involved in research partnerships with universities and biotech companies.
• We’re committed to research in heart failure, MCS and transplantation.
• Our focus on innovation gives you access to experimental or emerging therapies in safe and ethical ways.
• We contribute to national registries and data networks such as the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation and the United Network for Organ Sharing.
• We provide personalized care for heart transplant patients and people who are not eligible for transplants.
• We’re recognized for our positive results and whole-person care.

Stay informed 

The future of heart care is already taking shape and at Banner Health, we’re here to help you navigate what’s next.

Talk to your cardiologist about scheduling a consultation with our transplant team.