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There are two main methods of heart transplantation. These are the heterotopic transplant and orthotropic transplant. In the former method, the donor’s heart is placed next to the recipient’s heart, and in the latter, the recipient’s heart is replaced with the donor heart. Each of the transplantation methods has their own advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of a Heart Transplant

The main advantages of heart transplant include the following:

• Heart transplantation may be able to treat several conditions of the heart, including coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy. Coronary artery disease is a condition where the arteries narrow due to plaque build-up which cause it to harden, and therefore are not able to transport blood adequately. Cardiomyopathy is a condition of the heart valves in which the muscles of these valves become weak and are unable to pump blood normally.
• Heart transplants are able to restore health up to 95% of the times. The patient is able to regain his or her energy and is able to lead a normal, active life.
• Though the exact effect of a heart transplant on the longevity of a person cannot be predicted exactly, the medical procedure can increase the lifespan of the patient. The longest recorded survival period following a heart transplant is 23 years.

Disadvantages of Heart Transplant

The main disadvantages of heart transplant stem from the possible complications caused by the transplantation process. These include:

• Early complications such as acute rejection of the donor heart, donor heart dysfunction, arrhythmias, infection, internal bleeding from the heart, and possible renal failure. Even after a recipient is evaluated and considered ready for a transplant, any of these complications may arise soon after the transplant has been made.
• Late complications such as infection of the heart and other organs due to the transplantation process itself, accelerated coronary atherosclerosis, malignant tumors and cancers, chronic rejection of the transplanted organ, and high blood pressure may also arise.

Advantages of Heart Transplant over Pacemaker

Though a pacemaker is much less intrusive than a complete heart transplant, it cannot certainly be used as a replacement procedure. With the installation of a pacemaker, the heart recovers much more quickly. However, pacemakers are temporary and last for a very short while. They run on battery, which needs to be replaced very often. Your doctor usually determines which of the two is ideal for you, depending on your heart condition and your general health.

Advantages of Heart Transplant over Heart Valve Replacement

A valve replacement is a very short procedure, but is only used for conditions which stem from problems, structural faults, and weaknesses of the heart valves. Heart valve transplant may cause formation of blood clots, and to prevent this, the doctor may recommend blood thinners.

References

• http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/ContentDocuments/PartneringWithTransplantTeam_508v.pdf

Resources

• http://www.healthguideinfo.com/surgical-heart-procedures/p79804/
• http://www.heart-transplant.co.uk/faqs.html
• http://www.heart-transplant.org/guide/

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