The heart transplant call

The phone call does not mean that the recipient will definitely receive a transplant. The harvesting team must first inspect the heart for defects before deciding that it can be transplanted. However, for time reasons, it is essential at this point for the recipient to come to the hospital without major delay.

After receiving the phone call, three things should be avoided: eating, drinking and making phone calls. Eating and drinking should be avoided as surgery will very probably take place within hours and taking any food can lead to anaesthetic problems (vomiting). Making phone calls should be avoided so that the transplant centre can reach the patient any time to inform him of changes in the timetable or plan. Complete rest is essential – the transplant centre usually organises transport to the hospital, in an ambulance with a special signal or even by helicopter, depending on the distance.

After arrival in the hospital and admission (usually through the emergency admissions unit), the patient is already expected in the appropriate ward (cardiac surgery ward). A few routine tests are still necessary. For reasons of time, these measures are carried out now even though the donor organ has not yet necessarily been finally accepted. The transplantation may still not go ahead.