Anesthesia for Cardiac Transplantation

Abstract

Heart transplantation is indicated when other treatment options for patients with heart failure are no longer effective or when a heart transplant would improve survival. There are currently a variety of treatment options for these patients; the options range from medical therapy to full mechanical support. Heart transplantation remains the definitive therapy for end-stage heart failure. This discussion focuses on the management of a patient who presents for a heart transplant as well as some of the challenging clinical issues that may present during this period. Anesthetic induction agents may depress cardiovascular function and result in cardiovascular collapse. Drugs should be chosen that have limited hemodynamic effects.