Pediatric heart transplant

What is a pediatric heart transplant?

A heart  transplant is a well-established treatment for children whose heart is not  strong enough to keep them alive or to do the things they should be able to do.

During a heart transplant, doctors remove a heart that is sick and replace it with a healthy heart. The new heart will usually come from a child, but sometimes from a young adult, who has passed away from other causes and whose family has agreed to donate the organ. Most children who receive a heart transplant do well and lead a normal life, though they will need frequent visits with their doctors.

Our pediatric transplant team is made up of specialists with world-class expertise. We will be there for you, your child and your family every step of the way to make sure that you receive the compassionate care and support that you need.

Why would a child need a heart transplant?

Children may need a heart transplant if they were born with a problem that cannot be fixed with surgery. Children also may need a transplant if they were born with a healthy heart but developed an infection or other medical condition that made their heart fail.

When a child has a heart that is failing, doctors will try medications and other procedures or surgery before turning to transplant as an option.

Preparing your child for a pediatric heart transplant surgery

Our care team will evaluate your child to determine if they need a transplant. This information helps us make sure that your child will receive a heart that is the right fit at the right time.

It is important to make sure that your child stays as healthy as possible while they wait for their new heart.

You can help your child:

• Eat a good and varied diet

• Be as active as they are able to be

• Avoid exposure with sick people

Our care team can work closely with your family during this time. Our dietician can consult with you if you have questions about the best diet for your child. Our social worker, psychologist and other specialists will always support you, your child and your family before and after the transplant.

When a donor heart that would be a good fit for your child becomes available, we will notify you. Because a heart can become available suddenly, be sure that the care team can easily reach you at all times by phone. We recommend that you keep a bag of clothes and essentials packed so that you can be ready to bring your child to the hospital as soon as you hear that a donor heart is ready.

What questions should I ask my provider about a pediatric heart transplant?

Question that you might ask your care team about heart transplant include:

• Are there other treatment options for my child?

• How long will we be waiting for a donor heart?

• Will my child get a heart in time?

• Where will the heart come from?

• What do I need to do afterwards to care for my child?

• What are some of the drawbacks of transplant?