ICU Management Following Heart Transplantation

First Things First

  • Airway
  • Breathing
    • Minimize FiO2 and PEEP to keep SaO2 >92%
  • Circulation
    • Transplanted hearts are denervated and are prone to biventricular dysfunction.
    • RV dysfunction is more common.
    • Often, a variable combination of vasoactive agents, inotropic support and rarely temporary pacing is needed.
    • Transesophageal echo is a useful tool in postop management.
  • Bleeding can also occur.

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Last updated: April 22, 2010