answersLogoWhite

0

Currently a heart can be transplanted only within about 6 hours of removal from a living donor.

The muscle cells can retain viability for about 12 to 24 hours after death or removal, but some critical cells may not respond after about 6 hours, even when well oxygenated.

If a patient dies and there is no life support, practically all of the heart cells die within an hour from lack of oxygen and accumulation of metabolic waste.

User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago

What else can I help you with?