Saleem Haj-Yahi, a heart-transplant surgeon with the National Advanced Heart Failure Service, said he and his consultant colleagues believe patients are missing out on treatment which could transform their lives

A special strategy to promote the service was launched last year after concerns that the low number of heart transplants performed in Scotland was not a true reflection of the numbers who need the operation.    Since then referrals to the centre at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank had increased.   However, he and his colleagues still fear they are not seeing all the patients who could benefit from either a transplant or implantation of a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) – known as an artificial heart – which can help the struggling heart.

The problem was in making clinicians in other Scottish hospitals aware what the National Advanced Heart Failure Service could do for very sick patients, he said -
"The most important message is not to hesitate to refer patients at an early stage for consultation.   It does not make them or the patient commit themselves for anything. At least a second expert view will always be helpful."

Source:  The Glasgow Herald