Breathe Life: Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai's Pinnacle Heart & Lung Transplant Program

A heart and lung transplant is a complex surgical procedure in which both the heart and lungs of a patient are replaced with those from a donor. This type of transplant is typically considered for patients with severe, end-stage heart and lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, or severe congenital heart defects, where both organs are failing and cannot be treated effectively with other medical or surgical interventions. Gleneagles Hospitals is a leading heart transplant hospital in Chennai that offers patient-centric care with advanced medical technology. 

Procedure Overview:

1. Evaluation and Listing:
   • Patients undergo a thorough medical evaluation to determine if they are suitable candidates for the transplant. This includes assessments of their overall health, organ function, and psychological readiness.
   • If deemed suitable, patients are placed on the transplant waiting list.
2. Donor Selection:
   • Donor organs are matched based on blood type, size, and other factors to ensure compatibility with the recipient.
   • The organs must be harvested from a donor who is brain dead but still on life support to keep the organs viable.
3. Surgical Process:
   • The recipient is placed under general anesthesia.
   • The surgical team removes the diseased heart and lungs.
   • The donor heart and lungs are then transplanted into the recipient’s chest cavity.
   • Surgeons connect the donor organs to the recipient’s blood vessels and airways, ensuring proper blood flow and ventilation.
4. Post-Surgery Care:
   • Patients are closely monitored in the cardio-thoracic intensive care unit (CTICU) for signs of organ rejection, infection, and other complications.
   • Long-term follow-up includes regular check-ups, imaging studies, and biopsies to monitor organ function and detect any early signs of rejection.

Risks and Complications:

• Rejection: The immune system may attack the transplanted organs, necessitating immunosuppressive medications to prevent this response.
• Infection: The immunosuppressive drugs increase the risk of infections.
• Surgical Complications: Bleeding, blood clots, and other surgical risks are present.
• Organ Dysfunction: The transplanted organs may not function properly immediately after surgery.

Benefits:

• Improved Quality of Life: Successful transplantation can significantly enhance the patient’s quality of life and functional capacity.
• Extended Survival: Many patients experience extended survival compared to remaining on mechanical support or medical therapy alone.

A heart and lung transplant can be a life-saving procedure for patients with severe, dual-organ failure. While it carries significant risks, the potential benefits in terms of quality of life and longevity make it a vital option for those who qualify. The process requires careful selection, expert surgical execution, and diligent post-operative care to ensure the best possible outcomes for the recipients.