Preoperative Evaluation and Care of Heart Transplant Candidates

J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2022 Nov;36(11):4161-4172. doi: 10.1053/j.jvca.2022.07.008. Epub 2022 Jul 14.

Abstract

Heart transplantation is recommended for patients with advanced heart failure refractory to medical and device therapy, and who do not have absolute contraindications. When patients become eligible for heart transplantation, they undergo comprehensive evaluation and preparation to optimize their posttransplantation outcomes. This review provides an overview of the processes that are employed to enable the candidates to be transplant-ready when donor hearts are available.

Keywords: Anti-HLA antibodies; Antibody-mediate rejection; Ferric carboxymaltose; Iron deficiency anemia; Prehabilitation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Heart Failure* / diagnosis
  • Heart Failure* / surgery
  • Heart Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Tissue Donors