Our Summary

This study compared heart transplant centers that also have liver transplant programs with those that only do heart transplants. The researchers looked at data from United States organ transplant centers over a year ending in July 2023. They found that the centers that also do liver transplants performed more heart transplants and had a higher rating for how long patients wait for a transplant. However, the ratings for how long patients survived after being put on the waiting list and after receiving a transplant were similar in both types of centers. The more transplants a center performed, the higher their rating for how long patients survived after the transplant. In simple terms, centers that do both heart and liver transplants seem to do more transplants and have patients wait less, but patients’ survival rates are about the same whether the center does just heart transplants or both heart and liver transplants.

FAQs

  1. Do heart transplant centers that also do liver transplants perform more procedures than those that only do heart transplants?
  2. Is there a difference in patient survival rates between centers that do both heart and liver transplants and those that only do heart transplants?
  3. Does the number of transplants a center performs impact the survival rate of patients after the transplant?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about heart transplant is to consider choosing a transplant center that also has a liver transplant program. This study suggests that these centers may perform more heart transplants and have shorter waiting times for patients. Additionally, centers that perform more transplants tend to have higher survival rates for patients. It’s important to discuss all options with your healthcare team and choose a center that best fits your individual needs and circumstances.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a heart transplant include those with end-stage heart failure that cannot be managed with medication or other treatments. These patients may have severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain, and may have a poor prognosis without a transplant. Additionally, candidates for heart transplant must meet certain criteria such as being in overall good health aside from their heart condition, having a support system in place for post-transplant care, and being willing to adhere to a strict medication and follow-up schedule.

Timeline

  • Patient is diagnosed with end-stage heart failure and is referred to a heart transplant center for evaluation (months to years before transplant)
  • Patient undergoes extensive medical evaluations and testing to determine if they are a suitable candidate for a heart transplant (weeks to months before transplant)
  • Patient is placed on the national transplant waiting list and waits for a donor heart to become available (time on waiting list varies, can be days to years)
  • Patient receives a call that a donor heart has become available and undergoes heart transplant surgery (surgery typically lasts 4-6 hours)
  • Patient spends several days to weeks in the hospital recovering from surgery and monitoring for any complications
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and begins the long process of post-transplant care, including taking immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection and attending regular follow-up appointments with their transplant team
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences improvements in their quality of life and overall health
  • Patient continues to be monitored closely by their transplant team for the rest of their life to ensure the long-term success of the transplant and manage any potential complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits and risks of a heart transplant compared to other treatment options for my condition?
  2. How long is the waiting list for a heart transplant at this center?
  3. What criteria do you use to determine if I am a suitable candidate for a heart transplant?
  4. What is the success rate of heart transplants at this center?
  5. How many heart transplants does this center perform each year?
  6. What is the average survival rate for patients after receiving a heart transplant at this center?
  7. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or medications I will need to take after receiving a heart transplant?
  8. How will my care be managed post-transplant, including follow-up appointments and monitoring?
  9. What is the process for finding a suitable donor heart and how long does it typically take?
  10. What are the potential complications or risks associated with a heart transplant and how are they managed?

Reference

Authors: Siddique F, Patil S, Rajagopal K, Entwistle JW, Morris RJ, Bodzin A, Tchantchaleishvili V. Journal: J Surg Res. 2025 Jan;305:131-135. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.11.015. Epub 2024 Dec 14. PMID: 39675115