International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation

International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. It is a global professional organization dedicated to advancing the science and treatment of end-stage heart and lung diseases. Founded in 1981, it serves a multidisciplinary membership of clinicians, scientists, and allied health professionals. The society's core mission is to improve patient care through research, education, and advocacy in the fields of thoracic organ transplantation and advanced heart failure.

History

The society was established in 1981 by a pioneering group of physicians and surgeons, including early leaders in the field such as Norman Shumway and Christian Barnard, who performed landmark procedures. Its formation coincided with the clinical maturation of heart transplantation following the introduction of cyclosporine, and it later expanded its scope to encompass the emerging field of lung transplantation. Key historical milestones include the creation of the International Thoracic Organ Transplant Registry and the official inclusion of "Lung" in its name in 1990, reflecting the growth of double-lung transplantation and heart-lung transplantation.

Mission and activities

Its primary mission is to improve the survival and quality of life for patients with advanced cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through scientific discovery, education, and the promotion of ethical practice. Core activities include supporting the International Thoracic Organ Transplant Registry, which collects global data on procedures like left ventricular assist device implantation. The society fosters collaboration through working groups and committees focused on areas such as pediatric transplantation, infectious diseases, and nursing and allied health professional development.

Scientific journals and publications

The society's official journal is the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation, a monthly publication featuring peer-reviewed research on transplant immunology, donor management, and xenotransplantation. It also publishes the ISHLT Links newsletter and a comprehensive annual report from the International Thoracic Organ Transplant Registry. These publications disseminate critical findings on topics ranging from antibody-mediated rejection to outcomes in congenital heart disease patients, serving as essential resources for institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and Stanford University.

Annual meeting and conferences

The ISHLT Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions is its flagship event, rotating locations among major international cities such as Vienna, Montreal, and Madrid. This conference attracts thousands of professionals from leading centers including Harefield Hospital and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to present research on ex-vivo lung perfusion and total artificial heart technology. The society also organizes specialized academies and workshops, like the ISHLT Academy on Mechanical Circulatory Support, to provide in-depth education on emerging therapies.

Guidelines and consensus statements

The society is renowned for developing evidence-based clinical guidelines and consensus documents that shape global practice. These documents address complex management issues in primary graft dysfunction, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, and the selection of candidates for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Developed by international panels of experts from institutions like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Papworth Hospital, these guidelines are frequently endorsed by other major bodies like the American College of Cardiology and the European Society of Cardiology.

Leadership and governance

Governance is provided by an elected Board of Directors and an executive committee, including the President, President-Elect, and Immediate Past President. Leadership has historically included prominent figures from renowned transplant programs such as Sir Magdi Yacoub and Hillel Laks. The society's operations are supported by a professional executive office in Addison, and its committees work in conjunction with global entities like the World Health Organization on policy initiatives.