How long does a heart transplant operation typically take?

3-5 hours: It depends the actual removal of the recipient heart is usually quick. The sewing of the donor heart is usually quick. A lot of the time is opening(particularly if a reoperation) and then closing up if bleeding issues etc.

Five to Six Hours: The procedure length is dependent upon many factors. These can include the skills of the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and the physical condition of the patient. If a patient has had multiple operations on their chest prior to the transplant, it makes the job of the surgeon that much harder. But the time frame of 5 to 6 hours is a reasonable assumption.