You can call (352) 265-0751 to make a referral to the heart transplant program at the Shands Transplant Center at the University of Florida.

In order to be considered for a heart transplant you must be evaluated by the physicians and other health care providers at Shands Transplant Center at UF. Evaluation for transplantation involves taking a series of tests and being examined by a variety of specialists. The overall goal of this evaluation is to be sure that a heart transplant is the best treatment for your heart problem and to be sure that you don't have any other problems that would prevent you from getting the best results. During the evaluation period we encourage you to ask questions about anything you don't understand.

Generally, the evaluation phase will require you to be hospitalized for three to five days. One reason for the hospitalization is so that we can adjust your medications - if needed - in a safe and monitored environment. Another reason is to have adequate time for all the tests to be performed in a coordinated manner that does not tire you out. In some cases, tests will need to be done early in the morning and others at various times throughout the day.

The tests you undergo during evaluation are listed below. Some of the tests will be conducted in your hospital room while others will take place within various departments of the Shands at UF medical center.

Heart tests

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Echocardiogram
• Cardiac Catheterization

Lung (Pulmonary) function tests

• Chest X-Ray
• Lung function studies

Kidney and liver test

• Complete blood count
• Kidney function tests (from blood samples)
• Lipid or fat profile in your blood
• 24 urine collections
• Blood coagulation profile
• Liver function studies (from blood samples)

Nutritional status

• Calorie count
• Skin fold measurements
• Weight/diet evaluation
• Body protein evaluation

Immune system (from blood samples)

• Blood type and grouping
• Antigen/antibody reactions
• HIV virus test
• Thyroid function
• Viral illness tests (such as hepatitis)

Psychological profile

• Personality inventory
• Vocabulary test
• Memory tests
• Medical coping questionnaire

Social Support

• Family structure and support
• Coping mechanisms
• Living arrangements for you/family
• Financial resources evaluation

Financial planning
Early in the evaluation period you will meet with a heart transplant coordinator. The coordinator is a registered nurse who will care for you throughout all phases of the transplantation process. As the name implies, the transplant coordinator "coordinates" the care provided to you and your family to provide information, answer questions and help you solve problems.

During the evaluation period cardiology physicians are in charge of your care. The cardiologists will have your health records from your local physician and will discuss with your personal physician any changes in your condition and medications.

Patient and Family Services - social services
Social workers are an integral part of the healthcare team who work closely with patients and their families to help them solve many kinds of problems. A social worker is assigned to all heart transplant patients and is available throughout the transplant process. Prior to any transplant procedure the social worker will help arrange things such as lodging and transportation for those needing assistance. The social worker is available to assist with financial matters and coordination with hospital financial counselors.

A primary function of the social worker is assistance with emotional issues that may accompany transplantation. Anxiety, fear and frustration are common and normal. You can also expect the social worker to be available after the transplant. Home health home care referrals, follow-up appointments and any additional services will be reviewed to assure you of continued support. Your social worker can address many of your about your transplant recovery process, lifestyle changes and needs.

Complications of heart transplantation
A heart transplant is not a "cure" for your sick heart. It is a trade of one set of health needs for another.

Potential "complications" of your heart after transplant include:

• Rejection of your new heart
• Infection
• High blood pressure
• Weight gain
• Increased risk for cancer
• Risk of developing diabetes (insulin or non-insulin dependent) due to medications
• Coronary Allograft Vasculopathy (CAV)
• Osteoporosis (reduced strength of the bones) due to the medications
• Potential need for a permanent pacemaker insertion
• Kidney and liver damage due to the medications

Becoming a heart transplant candidate
After the evaluation is complete, the transplant team will meet to discuss all the information gathered. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss your options and your need for a heart transplant. The team also discusses potential problems that could make transplantation too risky for you. You may need additional tests to confirm your candidacy for transplantation. We will make all the arrangements to complete these additional tests as quickly as possible.

Waiting for your new heart
Waiting for a suitable heart to become available may be the toughest part of the transplantation process. It is natural to wonder whether you will get your heart in time. Our team will do everything possible to help you get your new heart quickly. However, the average wait at home can be one to two years. If you are sick enough to be hospitalized while you wait for your transplant the wait may still be one to three months.

Some tips to lower your anxiety while waiting:

• Talk about your feelings with your family and friends
• Keep the transplant team informed of your condition
• Be accessible by phone or pager
• See your doctor(s) regularly
• Maintain good eating habits and watch your weight
• Let your transplant coordinator, social worker and others help you adjust

If you are at home during the waiting period it is a good idea to plan for the day you are called to come to the hospital for the transplant. We suggest that you keep a packed suitcase ready in preparation for the day (or night) of your surgery. When preparing your bag, think about what clothes and personal articles you would like to have with you in the hospital (reading material, music, photographs, etc.).

If your local physician hospitalizes you during the waiting period, please contact your coordinator and keep them informed of how you are doing. If you will be on vacation please notify your coordinator of when you may be unavailable.

Statistics
Success rate and various other statistics regarding the Shands Transplant Center at UF are available from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients at ustransplant.org.

Related Links
CHF Patients

Transplant Navigation

Heart and Lung Transplant

Heart Transplant

Kidney Transplant

Liver Transplant

Lung Transplant

Pancreas Transplant

Heart Transplant Navigation

Evaluation

Facts

Heart transplant

Medications

Pediatric heart transplant

Process

Programs

Recovery

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or find out more information about transplant services offered at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352.265.8000 or toll-free 1.800.749.7424

You may also email our Consultation Center (consult@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form.