Heart Transplant

Heart transplantation is considered when individuals have advanced heart disease or heart failure that is unresponsive to other treatments. Common conditions include:

1. Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A condition where the heart becomes enlarged and weakened, leading to poor pumping function.
2. Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: As a result of coronary artery disease, this condition causes reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
3. Congenital Heart Defects: Some individuals are born with structural heart problems that worsen over time.
4. Valvular Heart Disease: Severe damage to heart valves may necessitate a transplant.
5. Refractory Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms that cannot be controlled by medications or other interventions.

1. Orthotopic Heart Transplantation: This is the most common type, where the recipient’s damaged heart is removed, and the donor’s heart is transplanted in its place. The donor heart is carefully matched to the recipient to reduce the risk of rejection.
2. Heterotopic Heart Transplantation: In this less common procedure, the donor’s heart is added to the recipient’s existing heart. This approach is typically considered for patients with severe heart and lung disease.
3. Pediatric Heart Transplant: Children with congenital heart defects or severe heart disease may receive a pediatric heart transplant. The donor heart must be appropriately sized for the child.

1. Evaluation: Before a heart transplant, thorough medical and psychological evaluations are conducted to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate.
2. Waiting List: Once approved, patients are placed on a waiting list for a compatible donor heart. The wait time can vary widely.
3. Surgery: When a suitable donor heart becomes available, the transplant surgery is performed. The recipient’s damaged heart is removed, and the new heart is carefully connected to the recipient’s blood vessels.
4. Recovery: After surgery, patients spend several weeks in the hospital recovering. They are closely monitored for signs of rejection and infection.
5. Post-transplant Care: Lifelong immunosuppressive medications are required to prevent the recipient’s immune system from rejecting the donor’s heart. Regular check-ups and monitoring are essential.