Heart Transplant

A heart transplant involves replacing a diseased or non-functioning heart with a healthy one. The surgeon removes the patient's heart and connects the donor heart to the recipient's cardiovascular system.

Ideal candidates for heart transplants are individuals who are either brain dead or on ventilators. Heart transplantation is recommended for conditions such as aortic disease, coronary artery disease (CAD), congenital heart conditions, heart failure, and life-threatening arrhythmias. However, patients with certain conditions such as kidney, lung, or liver diseases, insulin-dependent diabetes with organ dysfunction, and vascular diseases are not suitable candidates for this procedure.

• Preparation: Patients are placed on a waiting list for a donor heart. Organs are matched based on blood type and body size to ensure fair allocation.
• Surgery Procedure: Patients are given anesthesia, and open-heart surgery is performed. Surgeons make incisions, remove the damaged heart, and connect the donor heart to the recipient's cardiovascular system. The major vessels are stitched together, and the replacement heart begins beating once blood supply is restored.
• Post-Surgery Recovery: Patients are monitored in the intensive care unit before transitioning to a general ward. Pain management medications are provided, and patients may require a ventilator and chest tubes to drain fluids. Biopsies and diagnostic tests are conducted to assess the new heart's function.

• Screening Criteria: Recipients undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure suitability for surgery, considering factors such as overall organ health, absence of cancer or infections, and lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking.
• National Donor Waiting List: Eligible recipients are added to a national donor waiting list. Patients with good health status and no disqualifying factors are prioritized.

Organ Matching: Donor hearts are matched based on blood type, organ size, antibodies, and waiting time. The waiting period varies, and maintaining good health while waiting is essential.

Potential Risks: Heart transplant surgery carries risks such as cancer, infections, immunosuppressant side effects, and sedentary lifestyle consequences. However, careful monitoring and medical care can mitigate these risks.

• Life-saving Procedure: Heart transplant extends life expectancy and improves quality of life for recipients.
• Functional Improvement: Recipients experience increased functionality and reduced dependency on long-term medication.

Success Rate: Heart transplant surgery in India has an 80% success rate after two years and 70% after five years. High-tech equipment, quality medications, awareness, and hospital expertise contribute to its success.

Affordability: The cost of adult heart transplant surgery in India starts from USD 45,000 (INR 3,56,87,02), making it significantly more affordable than in developed countries. Factors influencing cost include hospital type, medical team reputation, surgery type, and patient preferences.