Heart Transplants

Nearly 50 years ago when Ochsner surgeons performed the first heart transplant in Louisiana, it was considered an experimental surgery. Today, heart transplants are the third-most common organ transplant operation in the United States. Here at the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Institute, approximately 25 patients receive new hearts every year, making us one of busiest and most experienced heart transplant centers in America.

Why Choose the Ochsner Heart Transplant Program?

For two years in a row, Ochsner Medical Center has been ranked among the top 10 heart transplant programs in the nation by CareChex. We have performed nearly 900 heart transplants to date, and our successful outcomes reflect that experience. Our average 3-year survival rate for adult heart transplant patients is 86.3%, which is higher than the national average. Ochsner consistently ranks among the highest performing centers in the U.S. What’s more, we take on some of the most complex cases.

Our team of dedicated cardiovascular surgeons, transplant cardiologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, transplant coordinators, social workers, financial coordinators, pharmacists and dieticians works together to provide care that is personal as well as world class. We offer psychological and financial counseling for transplant patients and their families before and after transplants.

National Level Care In Your Own Backyard

If you live in the Gulf South, there is no reason to travel cross country for a heart transplant. Our patients receive the highest level of care available. In fact, people travel here every year to have their transplants. Here are some of the reasons why:

• Ochsner’s Heart Transplant Program is the largest Medicare-approved heart transplant program in Louisiana, and a Center of Excellence for many insurers.
• We are home to the only pediatric heart transplant program in the state. Learn more.
• Our patients experience shorter hospital stays than national rates after their transplants.
• Ochsner surgeons completed the first heart transplant in the region 47 years ago, as well as the first total artificial heart procedure in Louisiana and the Gulf South.
• Our team performs dual organ transplants, such as heart and kidney transplants.
• Ochsner is a member of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).
• Ochsner has our own fleet of medically equipped helicopters, airplanes and ground vehicles that can provide critical care while transporting transplant patients from bedside to bedside.
• For patients waiting for heart transplants we offer the Mechanical Circulatory Support program, including LVADs (left ventricular assist devices), as a bridge to heart transplantation. Learn more.