Challenges in advanced heart failure care in Japan: Bridging the gap in durable mechanical circulatory support utilization and heart transplantation
Satoshi Miyashita, MD,
Francisco B. Alexandrino, MD,
Amanda R. Vest, MBBS, MPH,
Tomohiro Fujisaki, MD,
Wai Hong Wilson Tang, MD,
Yasumasa Tsukamoto, MD, PhD,
Koichiro Kinugawa, MD, PhD
Affiliations
Satoshi Miyashita, MD
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Corresponding author: Satoshi Miyashita, MD, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH.
Francisco B. Alexandrino, MD
Department of Internal Medicine, Primary Care Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
Amanda R. Vest, MBBS, MPH
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
Tomohiro Fujisaki, MD
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka, Japan
Wai Hong Wilson Tang, MD
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
Yasumasa Tsukamoto, MD, PhD
Department of Transplantation, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka, Japan
Koichiro Kinugawa, MD, PhD
The Second Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Toyama, Japan
In Japan, the incidence of heart failure has escalated to become a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Advanced therapeutic interventions, such as heart transplantation and durable left ventricular assist devices, have become a focus of interest in recent decades. However, the unique sociocultural landscape of Japan, coupled with a historically controversial background of organ transplantation, has impeded progress in these areas. This has resulted in a notable donor shortage and the absence of a robust framework for heart transplantation. This review aims to highlight the specific challenges faced in advancing heart failure care in Japan and proposes strategic solutions to overcome these barriers.
