Recognizing that heart failure disease requires a multi-faceted approach, our inter-disciplinary team of cardiovascular surgeons, transplant cardiologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, transplant coordinators, social workers, financial coordinators, pharmacists and dieticians work together to provide patients a wide array of innovative technologies in the treatment armamentarium for the whole spectrum of heart failure continuum from early stages to end stages of the disease.
We perform state-of-the-art pharmacological, electrophysiological and surgical interventions such as intravenous inotropic and diuretic therapy in our outpatient infusion suite, ultrafiltration (Aquadex) therapy, bi-ventricular pacing, and high risk surgical procedures that includes left ventricular assist devices. Our goal is to provide each patient a tailored plan of treatment addressing their physical, mental and emotional needs with nurse-led clinics, telemanagement, nutrition counseling and social services.
Since 1970, when Dr. John Ochsner performed the first orthotopic heart transplantation in Louisiana, this procedure has evolved from being considered experimental to an established therapeutic modality for the treatment of end-stage heart failure. Ochsner’s Cardiomyopathy and Heart Transplant Program was the first Medicare-approved heart transplant program in Louisiana and in the year 2000, completed its 500th heart transplant which is an accomplishment shared by only a handful of centers in the United States. Waiting times for a potential donor heart can vary. As a result, our Mechanical Assist Device program began in 1990 as a bridge to heart transplantation.
As one of twenty centers in the REMATCH trial, Ochsner was designated as a “Center for Destination Therapy” for the Heartmate I ventricular assist device (VAD). Since that time, our Cardiovascular Surgeons have participated in research trials for the Jarvik and Micro-med VAD and currently offer the latest technology in the form of the HEARTMATE II LVAD. This device has been used in thousands of patients and is FDA-approved as a bridge to transplantation which allows the patient to be discharged home while awaiting transplantation. For more information or to schedule an appointment:
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Transplant Hotline: 1-800-643-1635
Heart Failure and Transplant: 504-842-3925
Pre-Transplant Services: 504-842-3925
Cardiovascular Services: 504-842-3966
