Introduction: Acute heart failure is defined as rapid appearance of symptoms and signs caused by abnormal heart function. Steps in heart failure treatment includes medicament therapy, electrostimulator implantation and heart transplantation as the most advanced form of treatment. The aim of this paper is to present the journey from the diagnosis to heart transplantation and successful recovery, with the importance of accurate evaluations and support provided by the healthcare team. (1)
Case report: The case is presented using the patient’s medical documentation available in the Hospital Information System. The patient is a 40-year-old male who, in March 2024, suffered from ST-elevation myocardial infarction, which caused ischemic cardiomyopathy. On June 27, 2024, he was hospitalized in Dubrava University Hospital for advanced treatment methods of heart failure. Initially, he was admitted to the intensive care unit for inotropic support and invasive monitoring. To prevent sudden cardiac death, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator was implanted on July 11. Given the patient’s condition, on August 2, 2024, he was presented to the Cardiology-Cardiac Surgery Council, where he was approved for a heart transplant. He was placed on the emergency national list, and within just 8 hours of being listed, he received the opportunity for a new heart. The heart transplant was performed on August 3. A complication occurred in the form of cholecystitis, and an emergency cholecystectomy was performed. He later experienced abdominal pain, and an ultrasound confirmed fluid collections. A surgical revision was carried out, and a large hematoma was evacuated. Throughout his further stay, the patient was hemodynamically stable and felt well subjectively. The collections of fluid were regressing or no longer visible. The patient was discharged in good general condition, hemodynamically stable, with normal systolic and diastolic function. For patients with advanced heart failure, where other treatments are no longer effective, heart transplantation offers a chance to return to a normal life.
Conclusion: Potential complications following such complex procedures must be identified early, with nurses playing a crucial role as part of the multidisciplinary team. Support and education from nurses during the hospital stay are necessary to help the patient successfully adapt to new circumstances and improve their quality of life. (1,2)