Heart transplantation is a medical procedure where a diseased heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a donor. The word is pronounced as hɑrt trænsplənˈteɪʃən, with the stress on the second syllable of both "transplantation" and "donor". The "h" in "heart" is pronounced, and the "ea" in "transplantation" is pronounced as a short "e" sound, like in "bed". The "t" in "transplantation" is pronounced with a slight flap in the tongue, and the "a" in "donor" is pronounced as a short "o" sound, like in "lot".
Heart transplantation is a complex surgical procedure that involves replacing a failing or diseased heart with a healthy heart from a deceased donor. It is considered the definitive treatment option for patients with end-stage heart failure, a condition in which the heart can no longer pump blood efficiently to meet the body's needs.
The process of heart transplantation begins with the careful evaluation of potential recipients to determine their eligibility for the procedure. This evaluation assesses the severity of their condition, their overall health, and their ability to withstand the surgery and the subsequent lifelong immunosuppressive therapy.
Once a suitable donor heart becomes available, the patient undergoes an open-heart surgery in which the failing heart is removed and the healthy donor heart is connected to the patient's blood vessels and other vital structures. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and requires the use of a heart-lung machine to maintain blood circulation during the surgery.
After the transplantation, the patient requires lifelong immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection of the new heart by the immune system. Close monitoring and follow-up care are essential to ensure that the transplanted heart functions properly and to detect any signs of rejection or complications.
Heart transplantation can significantly improve the quality of life and survival for patients with end-stage heart failure who have exhausted all other treatment options. However, it is a major operation with substantial risks and complications. Therefore, the decision to undergo a heart transplant requires careful consideration by both the patient and the medical team.
The word "heart" comes from the Old English word "heorte", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hertan". This word is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root word "kerd", meaning "heart" or "core". Similarly, the word "transplantation" comes from the Latin word "transplantatio", which is a combination of "trans", meaning "across" or "to move", and "plantare", meaning "to plant". When combined, "heart transplantation" refers to the surgical procedure of moving or implanting a heart from one person to another.