Heart Transplantation Evaluation

When conventional medications or surgery cannot improve the function of your failing heart, heart transplantation may be considered. Transplantation offers many people the chance not only to survive but also to return to a normal, productive lifestyle.

To decide if you will benefit from a heart transplant, both you and your family will go through an extensive evaluation. During this process you will undergo several tests, meet many of our staff members, learn much about transplantation, share your feelings and have your questions about heart transplantation addressed.

During the transplant evaluation, patients will undergo a series of tests prior to being accepted as a candidate including laboratory bloodwork, an echocardiogram (a test that provides pictures of the heart’s valves and chambers by ultrasound), right heart catheterization (a procedure performed to evaluate heart valve function and the volume of blood circulating through the heart) and an exercise stress test. We will also consult with the patient and family members to assure the patient has support and help throughout the process.

The evaluation to determine whether an individual is eligible for a new heart involves meeting a variety of criteria. Successful candidates will include individuals with the following characteristics:

• End-stage cardiac disease as a result of poor cardiac function or uncontrollable ventricular arrhythmias that can no longer be treated with medications and/or surgeries.
• An absence of serious disease or other medical obstacles to long-term survival.
• Under 68 years old, with a high likelihood of becoming healthy, functional individuals with a life expectancy of at least 5 to 10 years.
• A clear understanding of the transplant procedure and its limitations, as well as the ability to comply with long-term follow-up requirements.
• A strong support network of family and/or friends.
• The psychological ability to manage the stresses of transplantation.
• Free of active drug, tobacco or alcohol abuse.

Sample Transplant Evaluation Schedule

Day 1

8:00 a.m. • Exercise treadmill test
9:00 a.m. • Echocardiogram.
10:00 a.m. • Transplant education
11:00 a.m. • Evaluation with Psychiatry.

Day 2

7:00 a.m. • Right heart catheterization
10:00 a.m. • Consultation with Social Services
11:00 a.m. • Consultation with dietician.
12:00 p.m. • Lunch
1:00 p.m. • Meeting with Financial Coordinator.
2:00 p.m. • Pulmonary function test.

Transplant Center