Postoperative Care of the Heart Transplant Patient

Abstract

Heart transplantation is established as a highly successful therapy for selected patients with advanced cardiac failure. Long-term survival rates after transplantation far exceed those achieved by medical therapy for this condition but transplant activity is now limited by the supply of suitable donor hearts. The use of mechanical circulatory support has become a standard therapy to maintain patients until an organ is available. Heart transplantation is a complex process that requires careful integration of pre- and postoperative care. The initial postsurgical period in the Intensive Care Unit is of critical importance. All team members must know and understand the general principles of posttransplant management.