What is Heart Transplant Surgery?

Heart transplant surgery is a life-saving procedure that involves replacing a diseased or damaged heart with a healthy one from a donor. In India, heart transplant surgery is available in several hospitals and medical centers, and is performed by a team of experienced surgeons and medical professionals.

Why is Heart Transplant Surgery Needed?

Heart transplant surgery is needed when a person’s heart is no longer able to function properly due to various reasons such as:

1. End-stage heart failure: A condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
2. Coronary artery disease: A condition where the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked.
3. Cardiomyopathy: A condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened or damaged.
4. Heart valve disease: A condition where the heart valves become damaged or diseased.

Patients for whom this surgery is not recommended:

• Kidney / lung/ liver disease
• Insulin-dependent diabetes with poor function of other organs
• Blood vessel disease of the neck and leg
• Other life-threatening diseases

 

Types of Heart Transplant Surgery

There are two types of heart transplant surgery:

1. Orthotropic heart transplant: The most common type of heart transplant, where the diseased heart is removed and replaced with a healthy one from a donor.
2. Heterotopic heart transplant: A less common type of heart transplant, where the diseased heart is left in place and a healthy donor heart is implanted alongside it.

 

Heart Transplant Surgery Procedure

The heart transplant surgery procedure involves the following steps:

1. Pre-transplant evaluation: The recipient undergoes a thorough evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for the transplant.
2. Donor selection: A suitable donor heart is selected based on blood type, tissue type, and other factors.
3. Surgery: The recipient is given general anesthesia and the surgeon makes an incision in the chest.
4. Removal of the diseased heart: The diseased heart is removed and the blood vessels and other connections are disconnected.
5. Implantation of the donor heart: The donor heart is implanted and the blood vessels and other connections are connected.
6. Recovery: The recipient is taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring and recovery.

Risks and Complications of Heart Transplant Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with heart transplant surgery, including:

1. Rejection: The recipient’s immune system may reject the donor heart.
2. Infection: The recipient may be at risk of infection, particularly in the first few months after the transplant.
3. Bleeding: The recipient may be at risk of bleeding, particularly during the surgery.
4. Cardiac arrest: The recipient may experience cardiac arrest, particularly in the first few months after the transplant.

Post-Transplant Lifestyle Changes

1. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help improve cardiovascular health and overall fitness.
2. Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of complications.
3. Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of complications and reduce the lifespan of the transplanted heart.
4. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of complications and reduce the lifespan of the transplanted heart.

 

Post-Transplant Follow-Up Care

1. Regular follow-up appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare team to monitor progress and adjust medications as needed.
2. Blood tests: Regular blood tests to monitor kidney function, liver function, and other vital signs.
3. Echocardiograms: Regular echocardiograms to monitor the function of the transplanted heart.
4. Cardiac biopsies: Regular cardiac biopsies to monitor for rejection of the transplanted heart.

Cost of Heart Transplant Surgery in India

The cost of heart transplant surgery in India can vary depending on several factors, including the location, hospital, surgeon, and type of transplant.