There are multiple steps involved in the heart transplant process.

  • Our transplant team will assess whether you are a good candidate for transplant. This requires a series of medical tests.
  • You are placed on the waiting list for a donor heart. Waiting times vary from days to months, depending on organ availability and your condition. Patients who become very ill while on the waiting list may require a ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a bridge to transplant.
  • Once a donor is located, you will undergo transplant surgery. During the surgery, a heart-lung bypass machine takes over the work of the heart and lungs. Initial recovery after the transplant surgery usually takes 6 to 8 weeks.
  • Finally, you begin life with your new heart and medications. You must commit to taking daily medication (immunosuppressants) to prevent rejection of the donor heart, along with other medications to protect from infections and complications.
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Before You Arrive

Consider these things before your appointment with the heart transplant team at Intermountain Medical Center.

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Schedule

Take a look at the schedule you can expect when you come to our clinic for an initial visit.

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Tests & Evaluation

Learn more about some of the tests you can expect during a heart transplant evaluation at Intermountain Medical Center.

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Artificial Heart

Intermountain Medical Center offers the most advanced therapies for end-stage heart failure, including artificial heart pumps and total artificial hearts.

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Waiting List

Find information about the organ donation process and waiting list for a heart transplant at Intermountain Medical Center.

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Transplant Recovery

The transplant recovery process takes 6 to 8 weeks.

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Life After Transplant

After your transplant, you will continue routine clinic visits with your transplant doctors to ensure your new heart is working properly and identify potential rejection.