Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Heart Transplant
Margarita Camacho, MD, surgical director of heart transplantation, RWJBarnabas Health, RWJBarnabas Medical Group discusses what type of patients are candidates for a heart transplant, the transplant process and the exciting outcomes for transplant patients today.
Putting your heart in the hands of another is a big step. Newark Beth Israel is here to help you every step of the way. As regional and national Newark Beth Israel Heart Transplant leaders, we will make sure you feel confident and empowered to make the best choice for your heart health.
Heart Transplant
A heart transplant is a treatment option for end-stage heart failure. Patients who undergo a heart transplant are symptomatic despite undergoing optimal medical treatments or even surgery.
During a heart transplant procedure, world-renowned Newark Beth Israel heart transplant surgeons remove a diseased or damaged heart and replace it with a new one from a donor.
Newark Beth Israel continues to expand access to care and is now offering heart transplants to HIV-positive patients, the only center in New Jersey to offer this care. The program also offers bloodless surgery for patients who require this option.
A heart transplant may be used to treat:
- Cardiac amyloidosis
- Cardiac tumor
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart disease
- Heart failure
- Inherited cardiovascular disease
- Pulmonary hypertension
Most patients who undergo a heart transplant see a dramatic improvement in their quality of life. They can resume daily activities, work, exercise, and hobbies.
Heart Transplant Success/Rejection
Heart transplant success or rejection depends on numerous factors. The most important of which is the ability to stop the body from attacking the new heart.
Taking postsurgical medications as prescribed plays a huge role in overall heart transplant success or rejection. Additional factors that influence success or rejection are patient and donor-specific.
A heart transplant rejection can be treated.
Heart Transplant Survival/Life Expectancy
Heart transplant survival rates and life expectancies are higher than ever. There is a dramatic increase in survival rate one year after surgery.
As with all surgical procedures, there are possible heart transplant complications. Taking a proactive approach to recovery reduces complication risks and improves the chances of 1-year and beyond survival.
Heart Transplant Criteria
Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition that affects the ability of the heart to supply blood and oxygen to the rest of the body. Patients who reach the end stage of heart failure may be candidates for a heart transplant.
There are more people with end-stage heart failure than there is donor hearts. Heart transplant contraindications are conditions that render a person ineligible for transplant. Proper recipient selection help ensure heart transplant success.
Patients who meet certain heart transplant criteria are put on a heart transplant waiting list.
Heart Transplant Recovery
Heart transplant recovery starts after surgery. Although every patient recovers differently, there are general recovery guidelines and a general recovery timeline.
Recovery does not end after discharge from the hospital. Taking a proactive approach to recovery involves taking care of the new heart well beyond the day of surgery. The Newark Beth Israel heart transplant team is with you every step of the way.
Heart Transplant Cost
Patients should not let costs deter them from a heart transplant. While it is true that numerous factors need to be considered when considering heart transplant cost, education and planning are what enable patients to be financially prepared.
There is more than one way to pay for a heart transplant. Secondary and supplemental insurance plans can be helpful, and so can learning how to navigate insurance.
Meet Our Heart Transplant Team
The Newark Beth Israel heart transplant team is led by world-renowned surgeons and physicians. We are heart transplant regional and national leaders.
Our patients receive the best care from start to finish. We support them every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Transplants
Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about heart transplant.
Heart Transplant Videos
Margarita Camacho, MD, surgical director of heart transplantation, RWJBarnabas Health, RWJBarnabas Medical Group, discusses that difference between temporary and durable Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs), how they are much more commonly used today thanks to tremendous medical advances and positive outcomes for patients, saving lives for people who are in need of assistance with cardiac circulation for a failing heart.
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