Heart Transplant

Question 1

Indications (2)

Answer 1

1. Cardiomyopathies

2. Congenital issues

Question 2

Candidacy

Answer 2

• Limited number of hearts
• Very expensive
• Patient must be able to be a good surgical candidate
• No active infections
• No noncompliance
• No history of cancer

Question 3

Process of getting heart transplant

Answer 3

• Place patient on bypass

- Sew the donor heart to the posterior wall of the right and left atria

Question 4

Alternatives to heart transplant

Answer 4

• Left ventricular assist device

Question 5

Side effects to alternatives:

Answer 5

• Thrombi

- Sepsis

Question 6

Nursing considerations with transplants

Answer 6

• Immunosuppressants
• Prevent your own immune system from attacking new expensive heart
• Over time, immunosuppressants can be reduced

Question 7

Examples of immunosuppressants (2)

Answer 7

• Cyclosporins

- Prednisone