What defines a heterotrophic heart transplant?

What defines a heterotrophic heart transplant?

• A. The original heart is completely removed
• B. Only the donor heart is connected
• C. The original heart remains while a donor heart is added
• D. The patient’s heart is replaced by machinery

Answer: (C)

A heterotrophic heart transplant, also known as a piggyback transplant, involves the unique surgical approach where the recipient's original heart remains in place while a donor heart is also implanted. This method allows both hearts to function simultaneously, which can be particularly beneficial in certain patient populations, such as those with end-stage heart failure who may not be candidates for a complete heart removal.

In this procedure, the donor heart is connected to the recipient's circulatory system. The two hearts can share the workload, which may improve overall cardiac output and patient outcomes. This technique can be advantageous in maintaining some level of cardiac function and hemodynamic stability.

In contrast, the other options do not describe the heterotrophic process:

• The complete removal of the original heart indicates a different type of transplant, often referred to as an orthotopic transplant, where the donor heart replaces the recipient’s heart entirely.

• Connecting only the donor heart while ignoring the recipient's original heart does not align with the definition, as it would not involve simultaneous function of both organs.

• Using machinery to replace the heart instead of transplanting a donor organ indicates mechanical assistance, like a ventricular assist device, rather than a transplant.

Thus, having the original heart remain while a