Heart Transplant Surgery
A heart transplant is a procedure where a diseased or malfunctioning heart is replaced with a heart that works properly. The heart is taken from a donor at the time of death, and in many cases, there is a long waiting list for people who need heart transplants. This procedure is major surgery, but medical advances have made the prognosis of recovery very high as long as patients receive adequate follow-up care and follow their doctor’s orders.
Why a Person May Need a Heart Transplant
A person may need a heart transplant if their heart is not working properly. There are numerous diseases and heart problems that make it necessary for a person to have a heart transplant. Some of the most common causes include:
- A weakening of the heart muscle (Cardiomyopathy)
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
- Congenital heart defect
- Dangerous recurring abnormal heart rhythms
- Heart attack
- Amyloidosis
- Failure of a previous heart transplant
Preparing for a Heart Transplant
A heart transplant is a serious surgery, and there are preparations for such a procedure. Just because a person needs a heart transplant doesn’t mean he or she is strong enough to receive one. Doctors run a variety of health scans and tests to make sure the patient is healthy enough to survive surgery and recovery. Before the surgery, doctors may ask patients to stop taking some medications and avoid eating for 24 hours. Doctors may also give patients with other health problems specific preparation instructions.
During a Heart Transplant
During the procedure, the patient will be put under with local anesthesia and connected to monitors. The doctor will make an incision in the patient’s chest and then remove the chest bone from the ribs. The doctor slowly detaches the diseased heart and connects blood vessels to the new heart. The new heart may start beating on its own, or it may need to be shocked before it starts pumping. Doctors place the new heart back into the chest cavity, replace the bones, and sew the incisions. The patient is sent to a recovery room and is monitored closely for the next few days.
Heart Transplant Recovery
During recovery, the patient will feel some pain and will likely be prescribed pain medication. Patients usually stay at the hospital for a few weeks after the surgery, so they can get the care they need during recovery. Patients may be sent home with medication to help them deal with the pain. Patients will need to see their doctor regularly during recovery to make sure the body is not rejecting the new heart and that the incisions are healing up properly.
Complications of a Heart Transplant
Because a heart transplant is major surgery, there are many risks and complications associated with it. Doctors will monitor patients after the surgery to ensure that they are not having any problems. Some common types of complications experienced after a heart transplant include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Death
- Rejection of the donor heart
- Problems with coronary arteries
- Medication side effects
Prognosis of a Heart Transplant
Most people who have a heart transplant are able to recover and live a healthy life. People with genetic heart problems may or may not experience the same problems with a new heart. Doctors may tell patients to exercise and eat a healthier diet to avoid health issues that may weaken their new heart. Some people do require an additional heart transplant. Other health problems can also play a role in the patient’s prognosis.
