Heart Transplant Procedure

When the day finally arrives and a donor heart becomes available, patients need to move quickly to prepare for surgery. Patients who are already hospitalized have the opportunity to contact friends and relatives who may visit before surgery.

Patients at home will be directed where to go for their transplant. Upon arrival, they are taken to a patient room and a chest X-ray and blood test are done immediately prior to surgery. When notified, patients are asked not eat or drink and are told what medications to continue.

Before surgery, family members are encouraged to wait with patients. During surgery, they can wait in the surgical intensive care waiting room – located on the fifth floor of the Founders Pavilion. It is important that a member of the surgical team know where the family is waiting in order to provide them with updates throughout the surgery. The surgery process lasts 6 to 12 hours. After surgery, patients go directly to the surgical intensive care unit.

For more information, please view our patient guide.

Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.

Request an Appointment

Heart Transplant Clinical Trials

Heart Patient Guide