Abstract

TEOFILO, Mariana Braga; LUNA, Luís Eduardo Pontes  and  MELO, Cynthia de Freitas. Between reality and imagination: patients’ perceptions of heart transplantation. Rev. SBPH [online]. 2026, vol.29, e005.  Epub Apr 10, 2026. ISSN 1516-0858.  https://doi.org/10.57167/rev-sbph.2026.v29.763.

Heart transplantation is a complex procedure that involves surgical risks, functional changes, and emotional challenges that may mobilize experiences of grief and symbolic constructions about the received organ. Patients’ experiences encompass both real and imaginary dimensions, influencing psychological adjustment, treatment adherence, and identity reconstruction after surgery. The objective was to apprehend the experiences of grief and the imaginary of patients who underwent heart transplantation. Nine participants responded to a semi-structured interview script, and the data were analyzed using the IRaMuTeQ software and, complementarily, content analysis. The results were organized into three central classes. Class 1 - “Preand post-transplant experiences” covers feelings experienced while waiting for the new heart, expectations regarding surgery, interactions with the medical team, and tensions in the postoperative period. Class 2 - “Attitudes and feelings toward the new and former heart” describes meanings attributed to the organ, perceptions of life changes after surgery, and the absence of grief for the removed heart, frequently associated with relief. Class 3 - “Family importance” highlights the family’s role in recovery, the symbolic association between the new heart and caring for a “child,” and idealizations about the donor’s family. Complementary analyses indicated discursive differences according to sex and age, and the similarity analysis highlighted central terms such as “person,” “heart,” and “transplant.” Differences by gender were also observed-men expressed more technically oriented discourses, whereas women emphasized emotional dimensions-as well as contrasts across age groups, with younger participants showing more optimistic narratives and older ones stressing responsibilities. It is concluded that patients articulate both objective and symbolic elements when elaborating their transplant experiences. There was no expression of intense grief for the removed heart, but there is a frequent concern with preserving the newly received organ.

Keywords : Heart Transplantation; Bereavement; Symbolism..

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