When you are wheeled into the theatre for your heart/lung transplant you will be in an enormous theatre with multiple teams ready to go.

Preparing for Heart / Lung Transplant Surgery

As with all surgeries there are common processes in place. Of course, you will need to fast and be nil by mouth prior to surgery. Before the transplant you will shower using an antibiotic wash. You will put on a surgical gown without underwear. 

Hospital Gown Tip:

Whenever you are required to wear a hospital gown for the love of all things sacred, ask for a SECOND GOWN. Put the first one on with the opening at the back. The second gown is on top with the opening at the front and wear it as a cardigan. This way when you’re out of bed and walking around you are not displaying your nether regions to all and your dignity is intact. Marginally!

The Anaesthetic Bay/Room

Once you are wheeled down to the theatre you will first see the anaesthetist and their team. They will check or reinsert a cannula and perhaps an Arterial line while you are in the anaesthetic bay outside the main theatre. They will need to insert a CVL (Central Venous Line) in your neck. There is no reason why this should happen while you are awake. If the anaesthetist attempts to do so then ask them to wait until you are asleep. I’ve heard of people suffering through this and it is entirely unnecessary.   

The Surgical Teams 

When you are wheeled into the theatre you will be in an enormous theatre with multiple teams ready to go. For example there will be a thoracic surgical team to perform the transplant surgery. The filtration team is responsible for filtrating your blood to remove impurities and antibodies from the new organ. Then there is the bypass machine team who ensure blood circulates around the body without a working heart in place. Of course the anaesthetist and their team are working hard throughout the operation keeping you asleep and monitoring your breathing.

The Heart Transplant Surgery

You will be moved onto the surgical table or perhaps you are able to get onto the table yourself. Once there, the teams will begin to hook up a variety of machines and equipment, IV drips, heart and brain monitoring telemetry. You will be given medications to help you relax and fall asleep under general anaesthetic. 

This is a very simple explanation of the surgery.  The thoracic surgeon will make an incision down the centre of your chest to access your heart, which requires opening the rib cage. To keep your body functioning while your heart is being operated on, you will be connected to a heart-lung bypass machine that pumps blood through your body. For more information, St Vincents Hospital has great resources relating to Cardiac Health and Surgery.

Once your diseased heart is removed, the donor heart will be sewn into place. Your new heart will be connected to temporary pacing wires to help control your heartbeat. After the surgery, you will be given medication to suppress your immune system and prevent your body from rejecting the new heart.


Post Transplant Survival 

After a transplant, long-term survival and quality of life relies on proper medication management, consistent follow-up appointments, and embracing a healthy lifestyle. Continual monitoring is crucial to avoid declining heart function and complications linked to lifelong anti-rejection medication.

Post-Mortem, if the worst happens

In the case of sudden or unanticipated death, a post-mortem examination is essential for determining the cause. Should this situation arise, the transplant physician will seek permission from the family for the procedure. While it may be a tough choice, agreeing to a post-mortem examination can benefit future generations of transplant recipients. Be aware, agreeing to a Post Mortem maybe required. It was part of the Heart Transplant Consent Form I signed before I was placed on the Active Transplant List.

Understanding the current statistics, risks and advantages of heart and lung transplant surgeries can assist you in making well-informed decisions about your future well-being.

As always, I welcome your feedback and comments. Please feel free to contribute your message in the form below.

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