Heart transplant is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or diseased heart with a healthy heart from a donor. The procedure is typically reserved for patients with end-stage heart failure, which occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump blood effectively.
The heart transplant surgery involves removing the patient's damaged heart and replacing it with a healthy heart from a donor. The donor heart is connected to the patient's blood vessels, and the patient's immune system may be suppressed to prevent rejection of the new heart.
After the surgery, patients will need to take medications to prevent rejection of the new heart and will require close monitoring by healthcare professionals. Recovery time varies for each patient, but most can return to normal activities within a few months to a year after the surgery.
After the surgery, patients are usually hospitalized for several days and will require a period of recovery and rehabilitation. This may include medication to manage pain, prevent infection and reduce the risk of blood clots, as well as physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility.
Heart transplant is a complex and highly specialized procedure that can be life-saving for patients with end-stage heart failure. It is only considered when other treatments have failed, and the potential benefits outweigh the risks associated with the surgery.