A heart transplant is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage heart failure or severe coronary artery disease.
A heart transplant is a complex procedure, but with support many patients go on to enjoy significantly improved quality of life.
While the process might seem daunting, understanding the steps involved, from diagnosis to recovery, can help ease concerns and prepare you for the journey ahead.
WashU Medicine offers a comprehensive and nationally recognized heart transplant program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Our commitment to excellence in patient care and innovative treatment approaches ensures that we provide the highest quality of care to our patients with heart disease.
Call us for an appointment: 314-362-7260.
What is a heart transplant?
A heart transplant is a surgery that replaces a failing heart with a heart donated from someone else.
Heart transplant is a last-resort procedure for people who do not respond to medical treatment and need a new heart.
Get a second opinion
Our Heart Second Opinion Program was created for patients diagnosed with any heart condition, or for patients who have been told they need a heart-related surgical procedure.
Who needs a heart transplant?
A heart transplant is used when your heart has permanent damage or weakness and needs to be replaced.
Heart transplants are usually necessary due to:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Coronary artery disease
- Congenital heart defects
- Heart valve disease
Risk factors for severe heart conditions include:
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Chronic alcohol use
- Previous heart surgeries
Patients may be considered for a heart transplant if they experience severe symptoms that cannot be controlled with medications or other surgeries. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent shortness of breath
- Extreme fatigue
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet (edema)
- Persistent chest pain
- Frequent fainting spells
Heart & Vascular Center
Achieving excellence through patient care, research and education is the mission of the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart and Vascular Center.
Our team of physicians and nurses are committed to improving heart and vascular health through their expertise, collaboration and compassion.
Screening and diagnosis
The decision to proceed with a heart transplant involves comprehensive screenings, which typically include:
- Blood tests
- Electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG)
- Echocardiograms
- Cardiac catheterization
- Pulmonary function tests
These tests help evaluate whether a transplant is the most suitable treatment option for your condition.
Heart transplant specialists at WashU Medicine
The heart transplant procedure
Once deemed fit for a transplant, you will be placed on a waiting list. When a donor heart becomes available, your care team will get you ready for surgery.
The procedure itself involves removing the diseased heart and implanting a donor heart. The surgery, performed under general anesthesia, typically takes several hours.
During the procedure, a heart-lung bypass machine takes over the work of your heart and lungs, adding oxygen to your blood and removing carbon dioxide. It also pumps blood throughout your body.
Our surgeons provide patient-centered care that emphasizes your physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
Finding a donor
Heart transplants rely on donor hearts.
Matching donors are identified based on blood type, organ size, and tissue compatibility. While the waiting period for a suitable donor can be unpredictable, the process is meticulously managed to ensure the best possible match.
Our transplant program includes a dedicated donor coordination team that works to identify and match suitable donor hearts.
Bridge treatment
While you wait for a donor heart, a bridge treatment can help you with your symptoms. Bridge treatments can include:
- Medications: Prescription drugs can help your heart function in different ways.
- Mechanical support: Different types of devices can be implanted to help your heart pump.
- Ventricular assist devices: A left ventricular assist device (VAD) can help maintain blood flow throughout your body while you wait for a heart transplant.
Potential complications
While heart transplants can save lives, they come with potential complications, including:
- Rejection of the donor heart
- Infections
- Blood clots
- Cancer due to immunosuppressive medications
These risks underscore the importance of continuous medical monitoring after surgery.
World-class care, close to home
Heart surgeons at WashU Medicine see patients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, one of the top hospitals in the nation for heart and vascular care, as well as convenient locations across the region.
Recovery and rehabilitation
After surgery, you will spend several days in the intensive care unit (ICU) followed by a stay in a recovery ward.
Physical rehabilitation and regular follow-ups are crucial for recovery.
Activities will be gradually reintroduced under medical supervision. It’s important to follow your car team’s instructions closely to ensure a full recovery after a major operation.
Managing medications
After a transplant, you will need to take immunosuppressive medications to prevent organ rejection.
Managing these medications carefully, adhering to scheduled doses, and attending regular check-ups are vital to minimize complications.