University Hospitals Heart Transplant Program
For decades, patients facing the uncertainty of advanced heart failure have found assurance and renewed life from the team at University Hospitals Transplant Institute.
Make an Appointment
Call 216-844-2566 to schedule an appointment or call216-844-3689 to refer a patient for consultation.
Why Choose UH for Heart Transplant?
University Hospitals continues to invest heavily in its advanced heart failure team, increasing the number of heart transplants and saving the lives of even more patients. In 2020, the University Hospitals Transplant Institute team performed the largest number of organ transplant surgeries in UH history, including record growth in heart transplants.
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center is a distinguished site for heart transplantation, with certification by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Additionally, the heart surgery program at UH Cleveland Medical Center is consistently ranked in the top 1 percent of hospitals nationally.
Our top-rated cardiac surgeons have over 50 combined years of experience in heart and lung transplant and mechanical assist devices (VADs), and lead actively enrolling clinical trials.
From the initial consultation through the transplant surgery and lifetime follow-up after transplant, we stay in close contact with both the patient and the referring physician. Our team members are available around the clock to address any issues or concerns.
Am I a Candidate?
Find out what health conditions may qualify for a heart transplant and how transplant candidates are selected.
Patient Evaluation
Heart transplant candidates will undergo a series of tests and assessments. Our nurse coordinator will also provide detailed information on the transplant process.
Waiting List
Patients who qualify for a heart transplant will be placed on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) heart transplant waiting list.
What to Expect
Find out what happens on the day of your transplant surgery.
Follow-Up Care
After heart transplant, patients are required to take anti-rejection drugs and have regular follow-up appointments with the transplant team.
For Clinicians: When to Refer a Patient
Learn more about when a patient should be referred for a heart transplant evaluation.
Multiple Transplant Team Members Focused Around Each Patient
In addition to our expert advanced heart failure specialists and transplant surgeons, the UH Transplant Institute team brings together multiple resources, including:
- Transplant nurse coordinator
- Transplant social worker
- Transplant dietitian
- Transplant financial counselor
- Transplant pharmacist
Other specialty areas that may also be included in care are:
- Anesthesiologists
- Lung specialists
- Kidney specialists
- Immune system specialists
- Infectious disease specialists
- Pathologists
- Pediatric cardiologists
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Psychiatrists
- Palliative medicine specialists
Research and Clinical Trials
Patients in the UH Heart Transplant Program benefit from the extensive clinical research being conducted within the UH Transplant Institute, in conjunction with Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. We offer a number of clinical trials sponsored by National Institutes of Health and Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation (CTOT).
Patient Stories
Lynn’s Story
A heart transplant saves a woman with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.
Larry's Story
A heart transplant offers a second chance at life for a 68-year-old man.