Heart Transplant

What is Heart Transplant Surgery Procedure?

A heart transplant surgery procedure involves replacing a failing heart with a healthy donor heart, restoring normal circulation and function. It is recommended for patients with severe heart failure unresponsive to conventional therapy. The surgery requires meticulous coordination between surgical teams to ensure timely transplantation and optimal outcomes.

A simple explanation for patients

Simply put, a live heart transplant surgery means removing the damaged heart and replacing it with a healthy heart from a donor, helping your body get fresh oxygen-rich blood and improving overall strength and well-being.

Why is a Heart Transplant Procedure Needed?

This procedure becomes necessary when heart failure progresses to a point where medications and devices can no longer keep the heart functioning adequately. Without a transplant, the risk of life-threatening complications rises significantly. Timely transplantation improves survival, relieves symptoms, and enhances quality of life.

Common Reasons and Key Conditions Treated

Patients typically need a heart transplant due to:

• End-stage heart failure is unresponsive to treatment.

• Severe cardiomyopathy weakens the heart muscle.

• Complex congenital heart disease.

• Refractory ischemic heart disease.

• Life-threatening arrhythmias are linked to poor heart function.

Why Choose Manipal Hospitals for Heart Transplant Surgery Procedure?

Selecting Manipal Hospitals means entrusting your care to skilled surgeons using the latest technology combined with compassionate patient support. We focus on quality, precision, and comfort.

• Expert Transplant Surgeons: Globally trained, with extensive experience in live heart transplant surgery.

• Multidisciplinary Care Team: Cardiologists, anaesthetists, intensivists, and rehabilitation specialists coordinate care.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Accredited by NABH and JCI, ensuring top safety standards.

• Comprehensive Rehabilitation: From ICU care to long-term follow-up tailored for international patients.

• Patient-Centred Approach: Clear communication, emotional support, and personalised treatment plans.

Indications for Heart Transplant Procedure

Good candidates for transplantation meet strict criteria based on disease severity, overall health, and ability to undergo surgery and recovery.

• Advanced heart failure despite maximal medical therapy.

• Failure of mechanical circulatory support devices.

• Suitable age and absence of major contraindications.

• Willingness to comply with lifelong immunosuppression.

• Stable organs and cognitive ability to engage with care.

Who Should Avoid or Delay Heart Transplant Surgery?

Certain conditions may delay or exclude transplantation. A detailed assessment helps guide safe decisions.

• Active systemic infections or malignancies.

• Severe irreversible organ dysfunction beyond the heart.

• Poor adherence history or lack of social support.

• Uncontrolled psychiatric illness.

Preparing for Live Heart Transplant Surgery

Before surgery, your care team prepares you comprehensively. Here are the main preparation steps:

• Complete pre-transplant evaluation: Physical exams, labs, imaging, and infection screening.

• Medication adjustment: Managing heart medications and immunosuppressant plans.

• Psychosocial assessment: Support systems and counselling.

• Donor coordination: Matching a donor for timely transplantation.

• Logistics planning: Travel, accommodation, and documentation for international patients.

• Family support: Arranging caregivers for hospital stay and after discharge.

What Happens During the Heart Transplant Procedure?

During the heart transplant surgery procedure, the surgical team acts swiftly and precisely. They begin with anaesthesia, open the chest, and connect you to a heart-lung bypass machine. The failing heart is carefully removed, and the healthy donor heart is sewn into place. The new heart is restarted once blood flow resumes. After confirming stability, the chest is closed, and you transfer to intensive care for monitoring.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

The following outline captures the flow of the procedure:

• Administration of general anaesthesia and preparation of the patient.

• Performing median sternotomy to access the chest.

• Connecting to the heart-lung bypass machine to maintain circulation.

• Remove the diseased heart carefully.

• Then, doctors implant the donor heart with precise suturing of major vessels.

• Further restarting the heart and monitor function closely.

• Wean the patient off bypass and ensure hemostasis.

• Close chest and initiate post-op care protocols.

Recovery After Heart Transplant Surgery Procedure

Recovery after a heart transplant involves ICU stay with close monitoring, followed by ward care and rehabilitation. Early breathing exercises and mobility improve lung function and strength. Lifelong medications prevent rejection. International patients benefit from telemedicine follow-ups, ensuring seamless care upon returning home.

Risks & Complications

Risks include infection, rejection, bleeding, and complications from immunosuppression. Manipal Hospitals employs rigorous monitoring and patient education to minimise risks and manage complications swiftly.

Benefits of Heart Transplant Surgery Procedure

The heart transplant treatment offers meaningful benefits, including:

• Restored heart function: Enables normal blood circulation and oxygen delivery.

• Improved symptoms: Reduces fatigue, breathlessness, and swelling.

• Enhanced quality of life: Increased energy and ability to perform daily activities.

• Extended survival: Significantly improves life expectancy in end-stage heart failure.

• Emotional well-being: Provides hope and a renewed life perspective.

Cost of Heart Transplant Treatment in Manipal Hospitals

Heart transplant surgery costs are generally lower compared to Western or Gulf regions, yet they maintain international standards of excellence. The expenses cover surgery, hospital stay, postoperative care, medications, and rehabilitation. Transparent, customised estimates are provided after a complete medical evaluation.

International Patient Support at Manipal Hospitals

We provide international patients with assistance in visa processing, airport pickup, accommodation arrangements, language interpretation, dietary preferences, and insurance or TPA coordination. A dedicated patient coordinator ensures personalised, seamless care throughout your hospital journey and after discharge.