What is heart transplant surgery?

A heart transplant is a procedure in which a surgeon removes a diseased heart and replaces it with a donor heart.

The doctor will make a cut (incision) in the skin over your breastbone (sternum). Then he or she will cut through your sternum to reach your heart. During the surgery, a mechanical pump circulates blood through the body while the doctor removes the diseased heart and replaces it with a healthy heart from someone who has died.

The doctor will use wire to put your sternum back together and will use stitches or staples to close the incisions in the skin over your sternum. The wire will stay in your chest. The incisions will leave scars that may become less noticeable with time.

You will spend about 1 to 2 weeks in the hospital after surgery. You may have to stay longer depending on your health and if you have problems from surgery.

You probably will feel better each day, but it may take several months to get your energy back.

What happens on the day of surgery?

• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking, or your surgery may be cancelled. If your doctor has instructed you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, please do so using only a sip of water.
• Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Do NOT shave the surgical site yourself.
• Remove all jewellery, piercings, and contact lenses.
• Leave your valuables at home.

At the hospital or surgery centre

• 
  Bring a picture ID.
• Before surgery you will be asked to repeat your full name, what surgery you are having, and what part of your body is being operated on. The area for surgery may be marked.
• A small tube (IV) will be placed in a vein, to give you fluids and medicine to help you relax. Because of the combination of medicines given to keep you comfortable, you may not remember much about the operating room.
• You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. You will be asleep during the surgery. The surgery will take at least 4 hours.
• As you wake up in the recovery room, the nurse will check to be sure you are stable and comfortable. It is important for you to tell your doctor and nurse how you feel and ask questions about any concerns you may have.
• You will have a breathing tube down your throat. This is usually removed within 6 hours after surgery. You will not be able to talk or drink liquids while the tube is in your throat. After the tube is removed, your throat will feel dry and scratchy. Your nurse will tell you when it is safe to drink liquids again.
• You will have a thin plastic tube, called a catheter, in a vein in your neck. It is used to keep track of how well your heart is working. This is usually removed in 1 to 3 days.
• You will have chest tubes to drain fluid and blood after surgery. The fluid and extra blood are normal and usually last only a few days. The chest tubes are usually removed in 1 or 2 days.
• You will have several thin wires coming out of your chest near your incision. These wires can help keep your heartbeat steady after surgery. They will be removed before you go home.