Heart Transplant FAQ
What area does Lutheran Hospital’s Heart Transplant Program serve?
Our program serves residents across northern Indiana, northwest Ohio and southern Michigan, but also draws patients from other states. Some of the cities we serve include Fort Wayne, Marion, Wabash, Logansport, Warsaw, Auburn, Angola, Fremont, Elkhart, Goshen, Mishawaka, South Bend, Nappanee, Plymouth, LaPorte, Chesterton, Portage, Valparaiso, Michigan City, Crown Point, Gary, Merrillville, Hammond, Munster, Defiance, Toledo, Van Wert, Findlay and Lima.
Do I need to live in Indiana to have my heart transplant at Lutheran Hospital?
We welcome patients from across the United States. In addition to Indiana, patients have traveled from Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Arkansas and Tennessee, among others. If you live out-of-state, we do ask that you stay close to Lutheran Hospital for at least a month after transplant surgery.
Why would I need a heart transplant?
When medications and therapies are no longer effective in treating certain heart conditions, a heart transplant may be a viable option for patients with diagnoses that include but are not limited to:
Will insurance pay for the transplant and follow-up care?
Insurance coverage varies from patient to patient. Our financial counselor will verify your coverage and get authorization for transplant and follow-up care. You will be notified of any out-of-pocket expenses ahead of time.
Can I visit your center before I’m a patient?
Yes! We strongly encourage potential patients to schedule a visit and meet the team prior to proceeding with any advanced heart therapies. Contact us at (260) 435-6275 or transplant@lhn.net.
How long will I have to wait for a heart transplant?
Wait times vary and may be affected by how well you match with a donor, how sick you are and how many donors are available in the area compared to the number of patients waiting.
What are the different wait-list statuses for heart transplant?
The United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) has identified six levels, with Status 1 being the most urgent and Status 6 the least urgent. Patients listed as Status 1 or Status 2 are classified as having the most urgent need and remain in the hospital until receiving a heart transplant. Status 3 through 6 are considered more stable and are typically allowed to wait at home.
When will I be able to leave the hospital after my heart transplant?
Most patients stay in the hospital between 10 to 14 days after a heart transplant. In some situations, patients may need to stay longer.
What does life look like after transplant?
Most people can slowly return to normal activities after a heart transplant. Patients initially have weekly follow-up appointments in our outpatient clinic and are also referred to cardiac rehab to aid in recovery. In addition, transplant patients need to take medications called immunosuppressants as prescribed for the rest of their lives. It is vital that you never stop taking these medications without consulting the heart transplant team.
When can I return to work?
Everyone's recovery is different. Depending on job duties, patients typically return to work four to six months after their heart transplant.
What other options are there besides transplant?
Heart transplant is considered the gold standard for heart failure treatment. However, patients who are not eligible for a heart transplant may be considered for ventricular assist device, or VAD.