Heart Transplant in India
What is a Heart Transplant?
Heart transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a diseased or non-functioning heart with a healthy one. The surgeon conducts this process by making an incision in the aorta, the main pulmonary artery, and the superior and inferior vena cavae. Subsequently, the left atrium is divided, allowing for the removal of the patient's heart.
Following the removal of the patient's heart, the back wall of the left atrium, which contains the openings for the pulmonary veins, is retained. The next step involves connecting the donor's heart by sewing together the recipient and donor vena cavae, aorta, pulmonary artery, and left atrium.
The donor for a heart transplant is an individual who is either brain dead or on ventilation. Following the extraction of the healthy heart from such a donor, it is immersed in a solution before the transplant procedure takes place.
The advancement of surgical methods and techniques has propelled heart transplant procedures in India to new heights. Given the critical role of the heart as a life support system, transplantation stands as a significant approach to address cardiac problems. The cost-effectiveness of heart transplants in India has become more pronounced, especially with hospitals efficiently catering to the needs of foreign patients.
Indications of Heart Transplant
This procedure can be recommended in the following cases :
Patients for whom this surgery is not recommended
Who needs a Heart Transplant?
The selection of patients for this procedure is a meticulous process. Some patients require a transplant when their hearts can no longer pump enough to supply blood with oxygen and nutrients to other organs. On the other hand, others may have a well-functioning heart pump but a compromised "electrical conduction system" that regulates the rate, rhythm, and sequence of heart muscle contractions. This issue can lead to various problems and necessitate a heart transplant.
For individuals with "end-stage" heart disease, where the heart is not functioning properly, eligibility for a heart transplant hinges on the condition of other vital organs. However, if a patient is grappling with issues such as infection, cancer, severe diabetes mellitus, or engaging in significant smoke/alcohol abuse, they may be disqualified from undergoing the surgery.
Indeed, patients must undergo psychological testing to assess their capacity for compliance with medications, adaptation to lifestyle changes, and recovery post-surgery. Additionally, the donor must be carefully matched in terms of blood type and body size to ensure compatibility with the patient. These considerations play a crucial role in the success and overall outcome of the heart transplant procedure.
Process of Heart Transplant in India
The heart, preserved in a solution, is transplanted while the patient is in a state of deep sleep or under anesthesia. A incision is made in the breastbone, and the heart-lung bypass machine comes into play during the operation. This machine ensures the continuous supply of blood throughout the body and brain while the transplant procedure is underway. The newly transplanted heart subsequently regulates the smooth flow of blood within the patient's body. Renowned for cost-effective cardio surgeries with specialized surgeons, these hospitals also excel in treating various heart ailments, including cardiac arrests and heart attacks, offering cardiac care and therapies to assist patients.
How does it affect the Heart?
The donor heart is carefully matched to the recipient's immune system. To prevent rejection of the new heart, the patient is required to take appropriate medication, specifically immunosuppressive medication. This helps in minimizing the risk of side effects, such as infections or cancer, and ensures the successful integration of the transplanted heart into the recipient's body.
Medical Follow-up
After undergoing a heart transplant, a patient requires regular checkups to assess overall health. During these visits, the doctor conducts blood tests to monitor the levels of immunosuppressive drugs and check for potential side effects. Additional assessments include electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and Holter monitoring to monitor the heart's rhythm and function. An endomyocardial biopsy may also be performed to evaluate the adequacy of therapy. Furthermore, the doctor annually assesses the patient's coronary arteries to monitor for any signs of narrowing in the transplanted heart. This comprehensive approach ensures ongoing health and proper functioning of the transplanted heart.
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