Heart Transplant in Delhi, India

A heart transplant is a surgical transplantation that is performed on patients with end-stage heart failure or severe coronary artery disease. The patient’s heart is replaced with a donor’s healthy heart and is performed as a life-saving measure.

A heart transplant is the last option and is performed when the patient’s heart is failing, and other treatments have been ineffective or are infeasible.

Causes of Heart Failure

Heart failure is caused by:

• Dilated cardiomyopathy - A condition where the heart is abnormally thickened, enlarged, or stiffened (weakening of heart muscles)
• Severe coronary heart disease - Plaque buildup in the arteries with scarred heart tissue because of a heart attack.
• Congenital heart defect - People with birth defects which are not correctable by usual surgery. They require heart or heart and lung transplant.
• Valvular Heart Disease - A condition where there is a defect or damage in one of the four valves of the heart.
• Failure of previous heart transplant

A heart transplant is the last option for people with end-stage heart failure. This surgery is not suitable for everyone, and patients are carefully screened before they are referred for a heart transplant. The recipient of a heart transplant is assessed on various parameters, including:

• Present condition of all organs
• Presence of cancer cells
• Infections and allergies
• Diabetes
• Lifestyle habits such as smoking or drinking

If all organs are in healthy condition and the recipient is free from cancer or any serious infections, then the patient is screened further. Recipients who smoke or drink in excess or have chronic diabetes are often ruled out from a heart transplant. Once the recipient is found fit, their name is sent to the donor waiting list across the country.

The wait for a donor’s heart can be short or long depending on the requirements, blood group, and recipient’s number on the waiting list. It is difficult to predict how long a patient will have to wait for the donor’s heart.

There is no order to the waiting list, and recipients are matched with donors according to the best match possible. While the patient waits for the donor’s heart, it is imperative to take optimum care of the health. The donor’s heart is matched with the recipient on the following parameters:

• Blood type
• Size of the donor organ
• Antibodies developed by the recipient
• Time spent on the waiting list

A heart transplant doctor will conduct the surgery as soon as a donor’s heart is available for the recipient. A heart transplant must undergo within four hours of organ removal from the donor's body. When the recipient is notified, they must immediately act for a heart transplant surgery.

Getting a heart transplant in India is a long and extensive process that is carried out in various phases. The initial preparation and screening are carried out long before the actual surgery takes place. At Max Hospitals, we have a team of some of the most dedicated doctors who specialise in heart transplant surgery.

A heart transplant is an extensive and critical surgery that can last for up to 6 hours. If the patient has previously undergone heart surgeries or has been a part of complications, the surgery time might exceed.

1. After opening the chest, a heart-lung machine is connected to the patient to keep the oxygen-rich blood flowing through the body.
2. Once the blood starts flowing in the body through the heart-lung machine, the recipient’s heart is removed, and the donor’s heart is sewn inside the body. Usually, the new heart starts working instantly as soon as blood flow is restored. In cases where it does not, an electric shock is delivered to kickstart the new heart.
3. The patient is kept on a ventilator and treated with medications till the situation is stabilised.

After a successful heart transplant, the patient is kept under strict observation for a couple of weeks till the situation is deemed normal. During the stay at the hospital after a heart transplant surgery, the patient will undergo regular tests, including heart biopsies, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, lung function tests, and more. Since heart transplant surgery is critical, there are certain things that the patient must adjust to if they wish to have a successful heart surgery:

Medications

Heart transplant patients are given a host of different medications to stabilise their condition. Patients are also given immunosuppressants to prevent the immune system from attacking the donor’s heart. These medications might have some side effects depending on the resistance of the patient.

Rehabilitation Program

After a successful heart transplant, the patient is advised to adjust to new lifestyle changes. The recipient is put on a diet and is encouraged to exercise. The cardiac rehabilitation program adjusts the recipient to these changes that are necessary for a faster and more stable recovery.

Emotional Support

Once a heart transplant surgery is successful, the patient might need a whole new lease on life through emotional support. It is necessary to contain this overwhelming state that a patient is more likely to feel after a heart transplant.

There are always some risks involved when undergoing a heart transplant procedure or any other surgery for that matter. Since a heart transplant in India is a major operation, there can be certain complications that may show up immediately, while others may take a while to develop and get noticed.

According to leading heart transplant specialists in India, the main risks associated with heart transplant surgery are:

Immunosuppressants Side-Effects

 A heart transplant surgery puts the patient on immunosuppressants, which decreases the ability of the body to fight infections. Developing infections during this phase can be critical to health, and special attention is paid towards suppressing the risk of infection. However, as soon as the body stabilises, the quantity of immunosuppressants is decreased.

Graft Failure

Graft failure is a serious complication that occurs just after a heart transplant surgery is performed. It occurs when the donor’s heart fails and stops working.

Problem with Coronary Circulation and Arteries

Even after a successful heart transplant surgery, it is possible that the walls of arteries may thicken, which can lead to cardiac allograft vasculopathy.

Rejection of the Donor Heart

This is one of the most common risks associated with heart transplant surgery. The immune system fights against foreign bodies, and it attacks the donor’s heart after a heart transplant surgery. All patients who get a heart transplant receive immunosuppressants. These medications reduce and slow down the response of the immune system and prevent it from attacking the donor’s heart. Rejection of the donor's heart usually occurs in days or a few weeks. However, in some cases, it can happen years later. Symptoms associated with rejection include:

• Fatigue - Extreme tiredness
• Aches and Chills
• Severe Abdominal Pain
• Palpitations - Irregular Heartbeats

Doctors will screen the heart and determine if the patient’s body is accepting or rejecting the transplant. Frequent heart biopsies are performed to test heart tissues during the first year of the transplant.

Max Hospitals is one of the best hospitals for heart transplant surgery in Delhi, India. Here are some of the reasons why patients choose Max Hospitals for their heart transplant surgery.

World-Class Medical Expertise: Max Hospitals boasts a team of highly skilled and experienced heart transplant surgeons who have successfully performed numerous complex surgeries. Their expertise ensures that patients receive the best possible care.

Cutting-Edge Facilities: The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a specialised heart transplant unit and the latest medical technology. These resources are vital for ensuring the success of heart transplant procedures.

Comprehensive Patient Care: Max Hospitals prioritises patient well-being, offering comprehensive care before, during, and after surgery. The dedicated medical staff provides support and guidance to patients and their families throughout the entire transplant journey.

Reputation and Trust: Max Hospitals has earned a strong reputation in the field of cardiac care, instilling trust in patients and referring physicians alike. The hospital's commitment to excellence in healthcare makes it a preferred choice for heart transplant surgery in Delhi and other major cities in India.

Accessibility: The hospital's strategic locations in various cities across India make it accessible to a wide range of patients, ensuring that critical care is within reach for those in need.

What is a heart transplant?

A heart transplant is a surgery where a diseased or failing heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a deceased donor.

Who needs a heart transplant surgery?

Heart transplantation is considered for individuals with end-stage heart failure who have exhausted all other medical and surgical treatment options.

How long can a heart transplant recipient live?

The average survival rate after a heart transplant surgery is around ten years, but many recipients can live much longer with proper care and lifestyle changes.

What are the criteria for being a heart transplant candidate?

To be considered for a heart transplant surgery, a person must have severe heart failure, be in good overall health aside from the heart condition, and have no other life-threatening medical conditions.

How long is the waiting time for a heart transplant?

The waiting time for a heart transplant surgery can vary significantly depending on factors such as blood type compatibility, geographic location, and the availability of suitable donor hearts. It can range from weeks to several months.

What are the complications associated with heart transplantation?

Some risks include rejection of the new heart, infection, side effects from immunosuppressant medications, complications from surgery, and the development of coronary artery disease in the transplanted heart.

How is organ rejection prevented?

To prevent organ rejection, heart transplant recipients need to take immunosuppressant medicines for the rest of their lives. These medications suppress the immune system to prevent it from attacking the transplanted heart.

Can a heart transplant be rejected?

Yes, there is always a risk of rejection. Regular monitoring of the recipient's immune system and medication adjustments help minimise the risk, but rejection can still occur.

What is the recovery process after a heart transplant surgery?

The recovery process after a heart transplant involves a hospital stay of several weeks, followed by a period of close monitoring and rehabilitation. Patients need to make significant lifestyle changes, take medications as prescribed, and attend regular check-ups.

How long does it take to fully recover from a heart transplant surgery?

The time to full recovery varies among individuals, but it typically takes several months to a year. Recovery involves gradually increasing physical activity and returning to a normal daily routine.

Can heart transplant recipients resume normal activities?

With proper care and lifestyle adjustments, many heart transplant recipients can resume a relatively normal and active life. However, they may need to avoid certain high-impact or strenuous activities.

Can a heart transplant recipient have children?

In most cases, heart transplant recipients can have children. However, the decision should be discussed with their healthcare team, as pregnancy can put additional strain on the transplanted heart and require careful monitoring.

What are the long-term complications of heart transplantation?

Long-term complications may include organ rejection, side effects of immunosuppressant medications, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (a condition affecting the blood vessels of the transplanted heart), and increased susceptibility to infections.

Can a heart transplant recipient develop other organ failures?

Yes, heart transplant recipients are at an increased risk of developing other organ failures, such as kidney or liver problems, due to the long-term use of immunosuppressant medications.

Are there any alternatives to heart transplantation?

In some cases, alternative treatments such as ventricular assist devices (VADs) or artificial heart pumps can be used as temporary or permanent solutions for heart failure patients who are not suitable candidates for transplantation.

What is the success rate of heart transplantation?

The success rate of heart transplantation has significantly improved over the years. According to recent data, the one-year survival rate is around 90%, and the five-year survival rate is approximately 75%.

Can a heart transplant surgery be performed more than once?

While it is possible for a heart transplant surgery recipient to receive a second transplant, the availability of suitable donor hearts and the overall health condition of the individual are important factors in determining eligibility for re-transplantation.

Can heart transplantation cure all heart problems?

Heart transplantation can provide a new lease on life for individuals with end-stage heart failure, but it may not address all heart problems. Some pre-existing conditions or complications may persist even after transplantation.

How can one support heart transplant surgery patients and their families?

Supporting heart transplant patients and their families involves offering emotional support, understanding the challenges they face, helping with daily tasks during the recovery period, and promoting awareness of organ donation.

How much does heart transplant surgery cost in India?

Heart transplant surgery costs in India can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of transplant (living donor or deceased donor), the hospital or medical facility where the procedure is performed, the patient's overall health, and other such factors. At Max Healthcare, we are committed to providing affordable heart transplant surgery in India without compromising on the quality of care, patient safety, and medical expertise

Reviewed by Dr. Rajneesh Malhotra, Vice Chairman & Head - CTVS, Cardiac Sciences, Cardiac Surgery (CTVS), Robotic Surgery on 21-Nov-2023.

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