Strong Heart and Vascular Center

Transplant

Before Surgery

First Steps

Your First Interview

You’ll bring a medical summary from your physician and copies of your most recent tests (chest x-rays, echocardiogram and heart catheterization reports) and surgical reports. We’ll talk about your medical history, current condition and physical abilities. We’ll also cover all the potential risks and benefits of heart transplant, the transplant process and financial issues.

Evaluation

A final decision whether to move forward with a transplant can’t be made until we’ve done a thorough transplant evaluation. Prior to your evaluation, your doctors will work with you to optimize your current therapy. This will include working with you to eliminate risk factors, like smoking, and adjusting your medications. The evaluation consists of both physical tests and psychological assessments. If you are not already hospitalized, most tests can be done as an outpatient. Detailed instructions for each test will be given to you when it is scheduled.

Making the Decision

After your tests are complete, the doctors will explain your results and recommend the best treatment for you. If your best option appears to be a transplant, we’ll work with you and your family to help you make an informed choice that’s right for you.

While You're Waiting

Pre-Care Planning

Once the decision has been made that you’re an eligible transplant candidate, you’ll meet with your entire transplant team. You will be assigned a heart transplant coordinator who is on-call 24/7.

The Organ Waiting List

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) determines priority for a heart transplant by grouping patients by the severity of their heart condition and matches all of the donors and recipients for transplants in the U.S. Your name will be entered into the databases of both the national and regional UNOS data banks. We submit ongoing reports to UNOS and alert them to any change in your condition.

Waiting

Once your name is placed on the waiting list, you’ll begin to accrue waiting time. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict how long you’ll wait for a suitable donor heart. It can be just weeks or as long as two years. Support groups and therapy are available to help you cope as this can be the most stressful time in the process.

You’ll be seen at regular intervals by members of the transplant team and tests will be done as needed. If your condition requires it, you’ll be admitted to the hospital. Outpatient transplant candidates will be “on call.” You’ll be provided with a pager.

If you become medically unstable while awaiting transplantation, intravenous drugs or mechanical support can be very effective in bridging the gap while you wait.

Getting in Shape for Your Transplant

We’ll continue to work with you to improve your condition in preparation for surgery.

If you used to smoke, you will have quit well before your evaluation. The use of all tobacco products must be stopped at least six months prior to the procedure. Alcohol is also forbidden for people who are on the transplant waiting list. If an organ suddenly becomes available, alcohol cannot be present in your system.

Our nutritionist will work with you to optimize your diet and your doctor will outline a program of exercise to help you maintain or build your strength and stamina. Conditions like diabetes and hypertension must be brought under control to reduce your risk during surgery.