Heart diseases are rapidly becoming a major health concern globally, with several men and women under the age of 50 being diagnosed with advanced and terminal stages of heart disease and heart failure. Many young people are succumbing to heart attacks at a very young age at an unprecedented rate. Heart diseases that lead to heart failure cause the heart to lose efficacy in functioning; therefore, it cannot meet the demands of the body. Some patients can be managed with medications. However, in the advanced and terminal stages, medications may no longer be effective, and the only possible treatment for such patients may be undergoing heart transplantation.  

 Heart transplantation surgery is a gold standard procedure for patients with end-stage heart failure. A heart for transplantation may be available from another patient who has been declared brain-dead patient, with no chance of recovery. Heart transplant recipients can go on to live a normal life afterwards. However, for patients in dire need of a heart transplant when a functional heart is not available, an artificial assistive device called a Ventricular Assist Device or Artificial Heart may be implanted, which takes over the function of the heart.  

Heart Transplant Procedure  

Heart transplant surgery is a complex open heart procedure that may take several hours, depending on the complexity of the case. For patients undergoing heart surgery for the first time, the procedure may take around 3-4 hours. However, for patients who’ve undergone heart surgeries previously, the procedure may take about 6-8 hours. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia, and the patient is connected to a heart-lung bypass machine for a continuous supply of oxygen-rich blood.  

Cardiac surgeons at Gleneagles Hospital work together with cardiac specialists and, interdisciplinary specialists and surgeons to ensure all-around management of perioperative problems with utmost expertise and dexterity. During the heart transplant surgery, an incision is made on the chest to separate the chest bone, and the rib cage can be opened to access the heart. The diseased heart is then removed, and a donated heart is placed. Then, blood vessels are reattached, and the heart is sewn into its place. If the donor's heart has trouble beating again, an electric shock may be given to restore function.  

 Post-operative Care & Rehabilitation 

After a heart transplant surgery, the patient is kept in the hospital for constant monitoring and evaluation of their heart condition and overall well-being. Heart transplant patients may find it difficult to go back to their normal daily activities immediately and may require assistance from professional caregivers. Occupational and physical therapy experts at Gleneagles Hospitals offer cardiac rehab programs to educate patients and assist them in improving their limb functionality and overall health so they can get back to their normal lives again. During this time, frequent biopsies may be done to look for infections and signs of organ rejection.  

After a heart transplant surgery, a patient may need long-term adjustments to everyday life and follow strict lifestyle changes as recommended by a cardiologist. Immunosuppressant medications may be recommended to prevent the body's immune system from attacking the transplanted heart, which causes the body to become more vulnerable to infections due to the decreased activity and efficiency of the immune system. Regular follow-ups may be required as part of the long-term care for the patient.