The Transplant Surgery

Patients may be called into the hospital for the transplant at any time. The surgery takes about 6-8 hours. After the surgery you will be taken to the intensive care unit. Most patients remain in the intensive care unit for 3-4 days after the surgery and in the hospital for a total of 10-14 days after heart transplantation.

While you are in the hospital you and your family will learn about all of your new medications, including how to take each medication and why you are taking it. You also will learn about any symptoms that indicate that you should call the transplant team, and you will be counseled on how to stay healthy after transplantation.