Cardiac transplantation: role of endomyocardial biopsy and immunosuppressive agents

Abstract

The field of cardiac transplantation has made tremendous strides since the first transplant procedure in 1967. This paper reviews the role of endomyocardial biopsy to diagnose and follow rejection as well as the standard immunosuppressive regimens employed. With continued refinements in immunosuppressive therapy, further improvements in mortality and morbidity rates should be realized.