Pre Transplant

Assessment for Transplant

The very significant risk of heart or lung transplantation necessitates, usually three day inpatient evaluation.  This is required to see firstly, that a transplant is a feasible option and second, to make sure that the patient is sick enough to require transplantation and justify the substantial risk.  You will undergo a large number of tests which look at not only your heart and/or lung condition, but will also determine wether you have other conditions which would exclude you from being suitable for transplantation.

When all your tests are completed the transplant team can decide on your suitability for transplantation.  Not all people are suitable for organ transplantation.  Continued smoking or significant alcohol intake, for example, will prevent you being considered for transplantation.  If there is any other disease present, for example kidney disease or severe osteoporosis, you may not be suitable for transplantation.You will be given and appointment to attend the Transplant Assessment Clinic where all the treatment options are discussed with you.  It is strongly recommended that you be accompanied by a family member or friend for this appointment. 

During your assessment you will meet many members of the team including:
Surgeons
Physicians (Cardiologists or Respiratory Physicians)
Social Worker/Counsellor - Psychological Evaluation
Occupational Therapist
Physiotherapist
Dietitian
Nursing Staff
Transplant Coordinator
Pastoral Care

For more detailed information of the team members role: go to details

The Tests You Will Have during Your Assessment
Echocardiogram
Gated Blood Pool Scan
Angiogram (Cardio Catheterization)
Right Heart Catheterization  
CT Scan
Lung Function Test
24 Hour Urine Test
Dobutamine Thallium Heart Stress Test
VQ or Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Dexa Scan
O.P.G. (Orthopandontogram)

For more detailed information of your assessment tests: go to details

Being Listed for a Transplant

The Waiting Time
Waiting time for transplant varies greatly and it is impossible to give you an estimate.  You should discuss this with the Cardiologist or Respiratory Physician assessing you for a realistic estimate.  You will be reviewed regularly in the Transplant Outpatient Clinic whilst you are waiting and we advise you to maintain contact with your own General Practitioner and Specialist.  If there is any change in your condition or you go into hospital during this time, you or your doctor must contact us.  Transplant education sessions will be conducted on a monthly basis for updating and reinforcing information while you are waiting for your operation.  Monthly blood tests are also required while you are on the waiting list to ensure fresh is available to cross match with the donor for compatibility. 

You will be provided with a beeper to enable the Transplant Co-ordinator to contact you if you cannot be reached by phone.

• If your beeper signals, call the transplant Co-ordinator via the switchboard on 9276 2000.  You will be given instructions when to arrive at the hospital.

• At the Hospital you will be asked to sign consent forms

Making A Decision

When you make a decision to go on the waiting list for a heart or lung transplan, you are making a lifetime commitment to adhere to the medical regime prescribed by the Transplant Team.

• Regular visits to the Transplant Outpatient Clinic

• Taking new medications as prescribed

• Attending ongoing education and information sessions

• Notifying the clinic of any changes in your condition

• Adhering to the diet prescribed for you.

Recipient / Donor Matching

• The matching of donor organs is a complicated process which takes into account:

• Blood group

• Recipient/donor size (When matching for lungs the lung mesurement - from apex to base of each lung then across both lungs together at the widest point)

• Whether or not you have had Cytomegalovirus (C.M.V.)

• Compatibility tests between donor and recipient blood

• How sick a person is.  A patient whose condition is deteriorating will be given priority where possible.