Heart transplant

When a patient's heart fails to function as it should and other treatments have been unsuccessful, a heart transplant may be the best option.

One of the most common treatment options used before a transplant is considered is the implantation of a ventricular assist device (VAD). A VAD is a mechanical device which pumps blood through the body when the heart is too weak to pump blood adequately on its own.

A VAD can be used in many ways, including:

• As a means to recovery, when short-term use can help treat heart failure
• As temporary support until a donor heart becomes available
• As long-term therapy when a heart transplant is not an option

Discussing the option of a transplant before total heart failure is always the best option. This allows our doctors to begin working with you during the early stages of your disease, so you can be evaluated and start learning about the transplant process, should you need one.

Not every patient may immediately qualify for a transplant. However, starting the process sooner promotes seamless integration into the transplant program if and when the time comes.

Once your doctor has recommended a transplant as a potential treatment, you can start the heart transplant process. These steps may vary from hospital to hospital, however, the transplant process will generally follow this order:

• Evaluation — The first step in the transplant process is to undergo an evaluation to determine your eligibility for a transplant. During the evaluation, your doctors will perform an assessment of your heart health, overall physical health and mental health.
• Finding a donor — Once you have been approved for a transplant, the next step is finding a donor. For heart transplants, the only type of donation available is deceased donor donation. Your doctors will run many tests so they can find a new heart that is compatible with your body, leaving the lowest chance for the body to reject the new organ.
• Transplant surgery — During this surgery, the damaged or malfunctioning heart is replaced with a healthy one from a deceased donor.
• Transplant recovery — After the transplant surgery is complete, your doctors will work with you during your immediate recovery and long-term follow-up care. This can include providing education and resources about maintenance and lifestyle changes needed to prevent damage to your heart.

When it comes to the heart transplant process, it takes a highly specialized team of just the right people working together to help you heal. At HCA Florida, our heart transplant teams bring together some of the best minds for your treatment

You can think of your transplant team as a built-in support group, standing by your side throughout your journey. Your team is available to answer any questions you might have and ensure you feel safe and comfortable with your transplant care plan.

Your heart transplant team will include a:

• Cardiologist
• Heart transplant specialist
• Transplant surgeon
• Transplant pharmacist
• Social worker
• Clinical coordinator