Heart and lungs transplant: best clinics abroad

A combined heart-lung transplant replaces the heart and both lungs with a donor organ block in carefully selected people with severe disease affecting both systems. It may be considered for complex congenital heart disease with irreversible pulmonary vascular damage and other combined conditions. Pulmonary hypertension alone does not mean that a heart-lung transplant is needed: isolated lung transplantation or another approach may be appropriate. A specialist team reviews alternatives, overall fitness and the expected benefit.

Patients may seek an opinion abroad for a complex diagnosis or consultation with a centre performing combined transplants. Before travelling, confirm programme acceptance, the donor waiting pathway and arrangements for prolonged follow-up. A consultation cannot guarantee suitable organs or an operation date. Treatment involves major surgery, rehabilitation and continuing anti-rejection medicines. Plan access to prescriptions, monitoring and urgent medical care after returning home with both the transplant centre and local specialists.

Deciding whether both organs are needed

Specialists establish why the heart and lungs need replacement together. They review ventricular function, congenital anatomy, pulmonary vascular pressures and response to treatment. Some people with pulmonary hypertension can receive a bilateral lung transplant alone; repairable heart defects may allow other surgical combinations. A combined transplant is chosen when alternatives do not offer an appropriate solution.

Assessment and waiting

Tests assess breathing, circulation, liver and kidney function, infection, nutrition and physical capacity. The team discusses medicines, family support and ability to follow long-term care. The donor organ block must be suitable in size and compatibility, and comes from one donor. Waiting cannot be predicted precisely, and joining a programme does not guarantee transplantation.

If seeking treatment abroad, confirm access to the specific programme before arranging travel. Treatment of the underlying condition and reassessment continue while waiting. Changes in health can affect eligibility. An organ offer also requires a final check of donor organ suitability and the recipient’s condition.

Surgery and early monitoring

Under general anaesthesia, surgeons remove the diseased organs and connect the donor block to the airway and major blood vessels. Circulation and oxygenation are supported during surgery. Intensive care monitoring checks breathing, heart function, blood supply, wounds and infection. Its duration depends on recovery and complications.

Recovery and risks

Rehabilitation gradually rebuilds walking, breathing endurance and everyday activity. Diet, exercise and travel plans are agreed with the team. Anti-rejection medicines continue, with tests of heart and lung function and medicine levels after discharge. Do not change treatment independently, even when feeling well.

Risks include bleeding, infection, early graft dysfunction, airway connection problems, rejection and chronic decline in lung graft function. Immunosuppression can damage the kidneys and increase some cancer risks. New breathlessness, fever, chest pain or a marked drop in exercise tolerance require immediate contact with the team.

Costs

Assessment, surgery, intensive care, rehabilitation, complications, medicines and years of monitoring contribute to costs. Request an itemised programme estimate.

FAQ

Are both organs always necessary?

No. Isolated lung transplantation and other treatments need separate assessment.

Can I select the operation date?

A suitable donor organ block cannot be guaranteed for a fixed date.

Who arranges follow-up?

The transplant centre and local specialists should agree on care before you return home.

Where can I review related services?

Explore heart surgery and pulmonology for specialist care.