Postoperative Management of the Cardiac Transplant Patient

This essential text provides a quick and practical reference to cardiologists, residents and general practitioners involved with heart transplant recipients. The book's chapters are designed to address relevant issues that heart transplant specialists face on a daily basis.

The first three chapters introduce the reader to basic aspects of post-operative and ambulatory care of cardiac transplant patients starting at the time they are discharged from the hospital. Chapters 4 through 6 cover the topics of rejection and treatment with immunosuppressive therapy. This information would be relevant to non-transplant practitioner since they are often not familiar with these drugs and its interactions. Chapters 7 through 10 describe frequent co-morbidities found in post cardiac transplant patients. An emphasis is made on metabolic abnormalities, renal insufficiency, hypertension, infections and cancer. Chapters 11 through 15 address psychosocial and ethical issues considered relevant by most patients. Answers to these issues are not easily found and will complement the care of these patients.

Every chapter illustrates 2 common clinical scenarios that relate to each subject. This case-presentation, which may include illustrations, will help the reader apply the knowledge provided in each chapter and will describe the solving strategies for each clinical situation. In summary, Postoperative Management of the Cardiac Transplant Patient fills a void in information for the care of post cardiac transplant patients. From cardiology residents to practicing cardiologists who care for a few patients that have been transplanted, this book will serve as a practical reference guide.