Your Complete Guide to Preparing for Cardiac Transplant Surgery

Severe tiredness, breathlessness even while resting, or swelling in the legs can all signal that the heart is too weak to pump blood properly. For people with end-stage heart disease, medicines or devices often stop working, and without advanced treatment, the risk of serious complications becomes very high.

In such situations, a Heart Transplant Surgery Procedure can be life-saving. By replacing the diseased heart with a healthy donor heart, patients get a real chance to regain strength, energy, and quality of life. At PSRI, the best hospital in Delhi for heart care, expert heart specialists use modern surgical techniques along with complete patient support to make this complex treatment as safe and successful as possible.

This guide will walk you through how to prepare for a heart transplant evaluation, donor heart matching, pre-operative preparation, surgery, recovery, and long-term care. Whether you are from India or an international patient planning treatment in India, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Cardiac Transplant Surgery

Preparing for a Heart Transplant Surgery Procedure may feel overwhelming, but knowing exactly what to do at each stage makes the journey smoother and less stressful. Below is a step-by-step guide that explains what happens before, during, and after surgery, so you and your family are fully prepared.

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Medical Records

• Your journey starts with an appointment with a heart specialist at PSRI.
• If you are an international patient, we can arrange virtual consultations before you travel.
• Bring your medical history, prescriptions, and details of past treatments or surgeries so doctors have the complete picture to plan your care.

 

Step 2: Heart Transplant Evaluation & Eligibility

• Heart transplant evaluation includes blood tests, heart x-rays, and lung function tests.
• Doctors check the eligibility criteria for heart transplant, such as age, overall health, and risk of infections.
• You will also meet the cardiac surgeon for a detailed consultation and be introduced to a transplant coordinator, who will guide you through the process.

 

Step 3: Donor Heart Matching & Waitlist Process

• Donor heart matching is done based on blood group, body size, and tissue type.
• Heart donor criteria are carefully checked and are followed to ensure safety and compatibility..
• Once cleared, you’ll be placed on the transplant waitlist / waiting period, where your condition is monitored until a suitable donor heart becomes available.

 

Step 4: Pre-Operative Preparation

• Before surgery, your doctors continue heart failure management with medicines and monitoring.
• You and your family attend counseling sessions to prepare emotionally and mentally.
• Healthy habits are key, quit smoking, lower your salt intake, and stay as active as your condition allows.
• International patients can finalize travel, visa, and accommodation with support from our dedicated services.

 

Step 5: Financial Planning & Logistics

• You’ll receive a clear estimate of the heart transplant surgery cost, including surgery, hospital stay, and medicines.
• Our international Patient Services assists you with insurance queries, paperwork, legal support, and liaison with embassies if required. 
• Pack essentials: Medical reports, scans, and test results, Comfortable clothes and personal items for hospital stay, identity papers, insurance papers, travel documents, sanitizer, masks, wound-care supplies and caregiver contact details.

 

Step 6: Day of Surgery

• When a donor heart becomes available, our team contacts you immediately.
• The procedure begins with removal of the weak or diseased heart. The donor heart is then placed and connected to your body’s major blood vessels so it can begin pumping normally.
• Your family can stay in touch with the transplant coordinator for updates throughout the surgery.

 

Step 7: Post-Operative Care & Recovery

• After surgery, you’ll recover in the ICU with round-the-clock monitoring.
• Hospital stay duration is generally 2-3 weeks, depending on how you heal.
• From day one, you’ll start medicines called immunosuppression therapy that protect your new heart from rejection.
• Once stable, you can return home and continue recovery with regular check-ups.
• Most patients start feeling stronger within a few months, while full recovery may take up to a year.

 

Step 8: Life After Transplant

• Life after a transplant means some adjustments, but it also opens the door to a healthier future.
• Lifestyle changes after transplant like eating healthy, exercising safely, and keeping good hygiene help prevent complications.
• You’ll join guided recovery sessions that build strength, improve breathing, and help you return to daily activities.
• Follow-up visits are an important part of keeping your new heart healthy.

 

Heart transplants today have excellent outcomes. With the right medicines and regular follow-ups, you can keep your new heart healthy and enjoy a longer, better quality of life.

Why Choose PSRI for Heart Transplant Surgery in Delhi?

If you’ve been searching for a trusted heart specialist near me, PSRI Hospital stands out as one of the leading centers in Delhi for advanced heart transplant surgery and comprehensive cardiac care.

• 25+ Years of Expertise – Established in 1996, PSRI has decades of experience in advanced medical and surgical care.
• Skilled Specialists – A team of 80+ senior doctors, including highly trained cardiac surgeons and transplant experts, ensure world-class outcomes.
• Advanced Facilities – 200+ beds, dedicated cardiac ICUs, and modern monitoring systems provide round-the-clock care for complex cases.
• Quality & Safety Accreditations – NABH and NABL certified, ensuring safe, accurate, and reliable care at every stage.
• Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery – PSRI offers advanced robotic surgical systems where suitable, enabling more precision, smaller incisions, faster recovery, and fewer complications.
• Cutting-Edge Diagnostics – Latest CT, MRI, digital X-ray, and advanced lab facilities support accurate evaluation and planning for heart transplants.
• Ethical & Transparent Care – Every treatment plan, cost estimate, and medical procedure is explained clearly so patients and families can make informed decisions with confidence.
• Dedicated Transplant Program – Patients are assigned a personal transplant coordinator who guides them through evaluation, surgery, and follow-up.
• International Patient Services – Visa and travel assistance, interpreters, accommodation arrangements, and telemedicine follow-ups make PSRI a trusted choice for international patients.
• Affordable & Transparent Costs – Heart transplant procedures are offered at competitive pricing with detailed estimates provided in advance.
• Patient-Centered Support – Counseling, lifestyle guidance, and long-term care programs help patients and families adjust and thrive after transplant.

 

Book Your Consultation for Heart Transplant Surgery at PSRI Hospital

If you are searching for a trusted heart doctor near me, PSRI Hospital connects you with some of the most experienced cardiac specialists in Delhi. Our transplant team focuses not just on surgery, but on giving you the confidence and guidance you need to take this life-changing step.

From the very first meeting, your doctor will answer questions, ease concerns, and help you understand what to expect in the days ahead. You’ll also learn how our ethical, transparent approach keeps both patients and families fully informed at every stage.

Schedule your consultation with a PSRI Hospital heart doctor today and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier future.

FAQs 

Q1. How long is the wait for a donor heart?

Ans. It depends on blood type, size, and urgency. The transplant waitlist / waiting period varies for each patient.

Q2. What is the success rate of heart transplants at PSRI?

Ans. With skilled surgeons and advanced care, the heart transplant success rate at PSRI is comparable to global standards.

Q3. What is the cost of heart transplant surgery?

Ans. The heart transplant surgery cost includes surgery, donor procurement, ICU stay, and medicines. PSRI provides transparent estimates.

Q4. When can I get back to normal daily activities?

Ans. Light walking starts within weeks; driving is safe after 6–8 weeks, and most return to work in 3–6 months. Always confirm with your transplant doctor before resuming travel or heavy activity.

Q5. What are the side effects of anti-rejection medicines?

Ans. They may cause weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney issues, or infections. Regular check-ups, healthy habits, and dose adjustments help manage these safely.

Q6. What happens if my body rejects the donor heart?

Ans. Rejection may cause fatigue, swelling, or breathlessness, and is detected through follow-up tests. Doctors treat it by adjusting medicines or adding therapies to protect the heart.