Our Summary

This paper is a comprehensive look at the history and evolution of heart transplant surgeries. It explains how these procedures have significantly improved since the very first human heart transplant was done in 1967 in Cape Town, South Africa. The article uses detailed images to help demonstrate these advancements.

FAQs

  1. When was the first human heart transplant performed?
  2. Where was the first human heart transplant carried out?
  3. How has the surgical procedure for heart transplantation evolved over time?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about heart transplant is to follow a strict medication regimen to prevent rejection of the new heart. This typically includes immunosuppressant medications that help the body accept the new organ. It is crucial to take these medications as prescribed and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor the health of the transplanted heart.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for heart transplant are those with end-stage heart failure that cannot be managed with other treatments such as medication, lifestyle changes, or other surgical interventions. These patients often have severe symptoms, poor quality of life, and a limited life expectancy without a transplant. Additionally, they must meet specific criteria for eligibility, including being in good overall health aside from their heart condition, having a strong support system, and being willing and able to comply with post-transplant care requirements.

Timeline

Before heart transplant:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with end-stage heart failure and is referred to a transplant center for evaluation.
  2. Patient undergoes a series of medical tests and evaluations to determine eligibility for a heart transplant.
  3. Patient is placed on a waiting list for a suitable donor heart.
  4. Patient waits for a suitable donor heart to become available, which can vary in length depending on factors such as blood type and size compatibility.

After heart transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes the heart transplant surgery, either as an orthotopic (replacement of the recipient’s heart with the donor’s heart) or heterotopic (addition of the donor heart to the recipient’s heart) procedure.
  2. Patient is closely monitored in the intensive care unit post-surgery for any complications or rejection of the donor heart.
  3. Patient undergoes a period of rehabilitation and recovery, including physical therapy and medication management.
  4. Patient is closely monitored by medical professionals for signs of rejection and other complications for the rest of their life.
  5. Patient may need to make lifestyle changes, such as taking immunosuppressant medications and attending regular follow-up appointments to ensure the success of the transplant.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Am I a candidate for a heart transplant?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications of a heart transplant?
  3. How long is the average wait time for a donor heart?
  4. What is the success rate of heart transplants at this facility?
  5. What is the recovery process like after a heart transplant?
  6. Will I need to take immunosuppressant medication for the rest of my life?
  7. What lifestyle changes will I need to make after a heart transplant?
  8. How often will I need to follow up with my transplant team after the surgery?
  9. Are there any restrictions on physical activity or diet after a heart transplant?
  10. What support services are available for transplant patients and their families?

Reference

Authors: Akay MH, Suarez EE, Frazier OH. Journal: Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2025 May 15;21(3):25-32. doi: 10.14797/mdcvj.1572. eCollection 2025. PMID: 40384733