Pediatric Cardiac Xenotransplantation as a Bridge to Allotransplantation: State of the Field and Preclinical Insights From a Pediatric Model

Abstract

Infants with complex congenital heart disease represent a vulnerable subset of pediatric patients who experience unacceptably high mortality while awaiting cardiac allotransplantation. The limited availability of size-matched donor organs and the unsuitability of existing mechanical circulatory support in this patient population compels the development of alternative bridging strategies. Cardiac xenotransplantation using genetically modified porcine donors represents a potential solution to this complex clinical issue. In this review, we describe the scientific and clinical landscape of pediatric cardiac xenotransplantation, summarize the key findings from a preclinical baboon model of orthotopic cardiac xenotransplantation as a bridge to allotransplantation, and discuss future directions required to bring this concept to clinical implementation.