Heart-Lung Transplantation
Heart-lung transplantation is a complex transplant procedure in which both the heart and lungs are replaced with healthy donor organs. It may be considered for carefully selected patients with severe heart and lung disease when conventional treatments or transplantation of a single organ may not provide adequate benefit.
Who May Need a Heart-Lung Transplant?
Heart-lung transplantation may be evaluated for people with advanced conditions affecting both organs, including certain forms of pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart disease, severe heart failure with irreversible lung disease, and other complex cardiopulmonary disorders. Eligibility is determined through a detailed assessment by a multidisciplinary transplant team.
Evaluation and Preparation
Before transplantation, patients undergo comprehensive medical evaluation, which may include blood tests, imaging, heart and lung function testing, and assessment of overall health. The transplant team also discusses donor-organ availability, potential complications, lifestyle changes and long-term follow-up.
Recovery and Long-Term Care
Recovery requires close medical monitoring and rehabilitation. After surgery, patients need lifelong immunosuppressive medications to reduce the risk of organ rejection. Regular follow-up is important for monitoring organ function, detecting infections or rejection, managing medication effects and supporting long-term health