Before you receive a heart transplant, you’ll have a series of tests to determine your current health. After these tests are performed, various members of the transplant medical team will conduct a thorough evaluation.
A cardiologist will present your case to the Patient Selection Committee for Heart Transplantation. The committee, which meets weekly, is made up of transplant program cardiologists, surgeons, advance practice providers, nurse coordinators, social workers, nutritionists, dietitians, financial coordinators, and pharmacists. They determine whether heart transplant surgery is indicated and safe for you. They also will discuss an optimal plan of care for you after transplant.
Your transplant coordinator will inform you of the committee’s decision and plan.
Once you are accepted for transplant, your information is entered on the active heart transplant waiting list, and the search for a new heart for you begins.