Department of Heart Transplant

Department of Heart Transplant

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.  

Heart Transplant Surgery at Gleneagles Hospitals 

 The Cardiology Department at Gleneagles Hospitals is operated by extensively experienced, eminent cardiologists– specialists, consultants, and surgeons who handle patients with a myriad of cardiac conditions and ailments ranging from chronic-stage heart failure surgeries, adult cardiac surgery to heart transplantation and paediatric and congenital cardiac repairs among others. Backed by high-end, advanced medical equipment for performing numerous critical surgeries with enhanced precision and dexterity, we are committed to delivering the best cardiac care to our patients. With numerous speciality cardiac care services, Gleneagles Hospitals is among the most trusted names for cardiac surgery. 

Heart Transplant at Gleneagles Hospitals 

At Gleneagles Hospitals, we are committed to providing advanced treatment using cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technology and minimally invasive equipment to ensure world-class treatment for our patients. Our Cardiology team at Gleneagles Hospital is composed of highly qualified cardiologists and interdisciplinary cardiac specialists with acute clinical acumen. They have demonstrated excellence in delivering various cardiac treatments, achieving an incredible rate of success over the past years. They are adept in performing clinical investigations and providing appropriate treatment to ensure all-around management of cardiac ailments, as well as performing heart transplant surgeries successfully, impacting and improving the lives of several patients over the years. 

    FAQ

  • Which is the best hospital for Heart Transplant?

    Gleneagles Hospitals is a pioneering healthcare institute in the field of complex and advanced cardiac procedures and heart transplant surgeries with an incredible rate of success. The team of eminent cardiologists at Gleneagles Hospitals has several years of experience treating and managing a broad spectrum of acute and chronic cardiac diseases and conditions with the utmost expertise and care.  

  • What is the life expectancy after heart transplant surgery?

    The overall outlook and life expectancy of a patient after a heart transplant surgery depends on their health and how well they are able to take care of themselves. With proper care and following a healthy lifestyle, a person can live 10 years or more. The post heart transplant lifestyle may be tailored for each patient and should be followed strictly to avoid complications and for an improved quality of life. 

  • What are the risks of Heart Transplant surgery?

    A heart transplant surgery is a major surgery and may carry some post-surgical risks and complications, such as: 

    • Infection 
    • Organ rejection 
    • Bleeding excessively 
    • Breathing difficulties 
    • Stroke 
    • Heart attack 
    • Death  
  • How long does it take to recover from a Heart Transplant surgery?

    After a Heart Transplant surgery, a patient may be kept in the hospital for one or two weeks under constant monitoring for post-surgical complications and symptoms of organ rejection. After they have been discharged, they may need to visit the cardiologist for regular checkups to evaluate their heart function. 

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