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What is a Heart Transplant?

A heart transplant is a surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased or failing heart with a healthy donor heart from a deceased or, in some cases, a living donor. This life-saving procedure is typically reserved for individuals with end-stage heart failure or severe heart disease that cannot be effectively managed with medications, lifestyle changes, or other interventions. A heart transplant can improve quality of life, alleviate symptoms, and prolong survival for eligible patients who have utilised all other treatment options. However, it is a complex procedure with potential risks and requires lifelong medical management and follow-up care.

Common Indications for Heart Transplant

End-Stage Heart Failure

Advanced heart failure that significantly impairs the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, leading to debilitating symptoms such as severe fatigue, shortness of breath, fluid retention (edema), and reduced exercise tolerance.

Coronary Artery Disease

Severe coronary artery disease that cannot be effectively managed with medications, angioplasty, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), leading to irreversible damage to the heart muscle.

Cardiomyopathy

Dilated, hypertrophic, or restrictive cardiomyopathy, genetic or acquired conditions that cause structural or functional abnormalities in the heart muscle, leading to heart failure and poor prognosis.

Valvular Heart Disease

Severe valvular heart disease, such as aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation, that cannot be effectively managed with valve repair or replacement procedures and significantly impairs heart function.

Pre-Transplant Evaluation and Screening

Before undergoing a heart transplant, candidates undergo a comprehensive evaluation and screening process to assess their eligibility, evaluate their overall health status, and identify any potential contraindications or risks. This evaluation typically includes:

  • Medical history and physical examination
  • Diagnostic tests such as blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, and imaging studies (such as MRI or CT scan)
  • Assessment of pulmonary function, renal function, liver function, and other organ systems
  • Psychosocial evaluation to assess social support, coping mechanisms, and adherence to medical therapy
  • Evaluation for potential complications or comorbid conditions that may affect transplant candidacy or outcomes

Pre-Transplant Care and Follow-Up

After a heart transplant, recipients require lifelong medical management and follow-up care to monitor graft function, prevent rejection, and manage complications. This includes:

  • Immunosuppressive medications to suppress the immune system and prevent rejection of the donor heart
  • Regular monitoring of graft function through clinical assessments, blood tests, echocardiograms, and other diagnostic studies
  • Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, healthy diet, smoking cessation, and adherence to medication regimen
  • Management of post-transplant complications such as infection, rejection, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), and medication side effects
  • Ongoing support from a multidisciplinary transplant team, including cardiologists, transplant surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals

Surgical Procedure​

During a heart transplant procedure at SRM Global Hospitals, the diseased or failing heart is removed, and the donor heart is implanted and connected to the recipient’s blood vessels, including the aorta, pulmonary artery, and vena cava, as well as the recipient’s remaining heart tissue. The surgical team ensures proper alignment and attachment of the donor heart and carefully monitors blood flow and function during and after the procedure. The surgery typically lasts several hours, and the recipient is placed on a heart-lung bypass machine during the operation to maintain circulation and oxygenation.

Whom to Consult?​ and When to Seek Medical Advice?

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of advanced heart failure or have been diagnosed with end-stage heart disease, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation and appropriate management at SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai.

Schedule an appointment with Heart Transplant Today

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Consult our healthcare experts immediately if you experience​​

  • Severe or worsening symptoms of heart failure, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or fluid retention (edema).
  • Signs of complications such as infection, rejection, medication side effects, or graft dysfunction requiring urgent medical attention or intervention.

Common FAQs About Heart Transplant

Q: How long does a heart transplant surgery take?

A: The duration of a heart transplant surgery typically ranges from four to six hours, although it may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and individual patient factors.

Q: What is the survival rate after a heart transplant?

A: The survival rate after heart transplant surgery has improved significantly over the years, with approximately 85% of recipients surviving the first year post-transplant and about 70% surviving five years or more. Long-term survival rates continue to improve with advancements in transplant techniques, immunosuppressive medications, and post-transplant care.

Q: How is a heart transplant performed?

A: During a heart transplant surgery, the recipient's diseased heart is removed, and the donor heart is implanted and connected to the recipient's blood vessels and surrounding structures. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and a heart-lung bypass machine may be used to maintain circulation during the surgery.

Q. How long is the recovery period after a heart transplant?

A: The recovery period after a heart transplant can vary depending on individual factors, including the recipient's overall health, the success of the surgery, and any potential complications. Generally, recipients will spend several days to weeks in the hospital recovering from the surgery, followed by a gradual rehabilitation and recovery process at home.

Q. How long does a transplanted heart last?

A: The lifespan of a transplanted heart can vary from patient to patient. While some recipients may enjoy many years of improved quality of life and functionality with the transplanted heart, others may experience complications or rejection that may necessitate further treatment or, in some cases, re-transplantation.

Q. Can I lead a normal life after a heart transplant?

A: Many heart transplant recipients can lead fulfilling and active lives after surgery, although certain lifestyle modifications and ongoing medical care are necessary. Regular follow-up appointments with a transplant team, adherence to medications, monitoring for signs of rejection or complications, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential for long-term success and well-being.

SRM Global Hospitals Pvt Ltd strives to deliver exceptional patient care with world-class expertise supported by next – gen medical and digital technologies because you deserve the quality care and are at the core of everything we do.

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