Heart Transplant

VCU Health’s transplant program is distinguished by its esteemed heart failure and transplant specialists, its pioneering surgical techniques and technologies, and its excellent outcome record.

Our heart transplant program was established in 1968, making it the longest running transplant program on the East coast and the second oldest in the United States. We have remained a leader in the development of heart transplantation, contributing to improvements in transplant technology, medications, procedures and management. Under our present program, we have performed over 700 transplants.

Heart transplantation is a lifelong journey for both the patient and his or her family, with physical, emotional and personal challenges that vary along the way. We provide exceptional, individualized guidance and care at every stage of the process—from evaluation as a transplant candidate, through the waiting period for a donor heart, to surgery, post-surgical care and long-term follow-up.

Our heart transplant team includes transplant surgeons, cardiologists, nurse practitioners, transplant coordinators, transplant pharmacists, psychologists, financial counselors and other healthcare professionals. They receive additional support from experts in a variety of specialty areas at the VCU Medical Center.

The Transplant Process

The decision to consider having a heart transplant is a big one. It is important that patients and their families understand what to expect of the transplant process, the surgery, the risks that are involved, and care after the transplant. Following is information that may help you in making your decision. It is divided into five sections:

• VAD – the Bridge to Heart Transplant
• Evaluation for Heart Transplant
• Waiting for a New Heart
• The Transplant Surgery
• Going Home and Living with a New Heart