Heart Transplant Services at Narayana Health

Transplant surgeries for both adults and children

Temporary support systems like VAD and ECMO while awaiting transplant

Tailored cardiac rehabilitation programmes for recovery and strength

Mental health support for patients and caregivers

Ongoing care for immune system suppression and heart function monitoring

Benefits of Heart Transplant

Significantly improves survival for patients with end-stage heart failure

Brings relief from constant fatigue, breathlessness, and hospital visits

Helps individuals return to school, work, and daily responsibilities

Reinstates a sense of independence and confidence

Offers renewed hope to both patients and families

Who Can Get a Heart Transplant?

Not everyone with heart failure will need or qualify for a transplant. It is usually considered when:

All other options have been explored without success

The person is physically fit enough to undergo major surgery

There are no serious infections, cancers, or uncontrolled conditions

The patient and family are committed to long-term follow-up and medication

Who Can Donate a Heart?

Donor hearts come from individuals who are declared brain-dead but still have a functioning heart. Criteria include:

Age between 18 and 55 years

No history of heart disease or major infections

Blood type and body size must match the recipient

Family consent and legal clearance for organ donation are essential

What is the Process of Heart Transplantation?

Evaluation: A series of tests, scans, and consultations to check if the patient is fit for transplant

Listing: Once approved, the patient is placed on the transplant waiting list

Surgery: The transplant is performed as soon as a suitable donor heart is available

Recovery in ICU: Intensive care for the first few days, with close monitoring

Discharge and Follow-Up: Regular check-ups and long-term care to ensure heart health and prevent rejection

Is Heart Transplant Successful and Safe?

Yes. When performed on the right patient at the right time, a heart transplant can offer excellent outcomes. At Narayana Health, we match global survival statistics:

1-year survival rate: [Insert Statistic]%

5-year survival rate: [Insert Statistic]%

Success is influenced by early referral, surgical timing, and regular follow-up care.

Is Heart Transplant Performed Robotically?

No, heart transplant surgery is a complex procedure that cannot be done using robotic technology. It involves open-heart surgery, which needs a high level of precision and direct access by the surgical team. However, for certain other heart conditions—like valve repairs or bypass surgeries—robotic-assisted techniques may be used at Narayana Health to support faster recovery and smaller incisions.

Heart Transplant Hospitals in India – Narayana Health

We perform heart transplants at our key cardiac centres, each with skilled teams and advanced infrastructure. These include:

Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Bengaluru

Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Howrah

Narayana Hospital | RN Tagore Hospital, Kolkata

Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, New Delhi

(More hospitals can be listed as needed.)

FAQs for Heart Transplant

1. How long is the recovery after a heart transplant?

Most patients remain in the hospital for 2–3 weeks. Complete recovery and return to normal activities may take 3 to 6 months.

2. Will I be able to return to work or school?

Yes, depending on your recovery and doctor's advice. Many transplant recipients resume regular life within a few months.

3. Do I need to take medicines lifelong?

Yes, you will need to take immunosuppressants for the rest of your life to prevent your body from rejecting the new heart.

4. Can children receive heart transplants?

Yes, Narayana Health has dedicated teams for paediatric heart transplants.

5. What happens if a suitable donor is not available immediately?

We may use temporary mechanical support, such as VAD or ECMO, to stabilise the patient until a matching heart becomes available.