What organs can be donated?

The list of organs and tissue that can be donated are constantly growing. The list include kidney, lung, liver, pancreas, heart, intestines, corneas, bone marrow, cord blood stem cells, peripheral blood stem cells, blood and platelets. Tissues can be used for burns, to replace veins and repair damaged tissue and cartilage. Face and hands have recently been added to the list of organ donations. Learn more on how to register locally and nationally.

Who can donate organs?

People of all ages and medical histories can be a potential donor. Senior citizens in their 90s have been organ donors, and in 2019, 1 out of every 3 people who donated organs was over the age of 50. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissue can be donated.

What is the process of organ donation?

Most organ donation occur after the donor has died. However, some organs can be donated as a living donor. At Ochsner Health, we have a living donor liver transplant program and a living donor kidney transplant program. A registered donor can save up to nine lives. Learn more about being a living and a deceased donor.

What is a robotic kidney transplant?

The Ochsner Transplant Institute offers robotic-assisted kidney transplantation, an advanced surgical option designed to improve outcomes for patients. By using minimally invasive robotic technology, surgeons can operate with greater precision through smaller incisions. This technique can help reduce blood loss, shorten hospital stays, and support faster recovery, making the transplant experience safer and less physically demanding for eligible patients.

How are organs matched?

There are several factors used to match organs with patients in need. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has policies and computerized networks that align transplant candidates with donated organs in ways that save as many lives as possible, along with providing patients with the best chance of long-term wellness. Things like income, insurance or celebrity play absolutely no role in who is prioritized for transplant.

Will doctors try not to save me if I’m an organ donor?

If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ donation can only be considered after brain death has been declared by a physician. Many states have adopted legislation allowing individuals to legally designate their wish to be a donor should brain death occur, although in many states organ procurement organizations also require consent from the donor's family.

Is organ donation against my religion?

All major organized religions approve of organ and tissue donation and consider it an act of charity. The U.S. Government Information on Organ Donation and Transplantation has actually compiled a list of official statements and policies released by religious leaders which you can find here. If you are unsure or uncomfortable though, contact someone at the clergy within your church or place of worship for a consultation.

Ochsner Transplant Institute

The Ochsner Transplant Institute leads the Gulf South in organ transplant surgery, with over 10,000 lifesaving transplants performed.

Why choose Ochsner for your organ transplant?

Living liver transplant recipient and donor meeting for the first time.

The Ochsner Transplant Institute, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a recognized national leader in organ transplant surgery. As the most active and experienced transplant center in Louisiana and the Gulf South region, we are dedicated to delivering life-saving care with unmatched expertise, shorter wait times and a compassionate, patient-centered approach.

Since 1984, our world-class team of transplant surgeons, physicians, nurses, and support specialists has performed over 10,000 lifesaving liver, kidney, pancreas, lung and heart transplants. This includes groundbreaking procedures through our innovative living donor programs, such as the living donor liver transplant program and living donor kidney transplant program.

At the Ochsner Transplant Institute, we are proud to house some of the world’s foremost transplant experts, driving advancements in clinical care and research. Our commitment to innovation allows us to offer solutions for even the rarest and most complex transplant cases, ensuring that more adult and pediatric patients across the Gulf South and beyond receive the care they need.

What sets the Ochsner Transplant Institute apart?

No. 1 liver transplant program in the country

More than 10,000 lifesaving transplants performed

Only pediatric heart transplant program in Louisiana

More reasons to choose Ochsner Transplant Institute

Only living donor liver transplant program in Louisiana
The Ochsner Transplant Institute has performed over 4,000 liver transplants
The Ochsner Transplant Institute team performed the first robotic simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant in the Gulf South
Medicare-approved transplant center for heart, liver, lung and kidney transplants
Center of Excellence designation for most insurers

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Performed the first heart, kidney and liver transplants in the state in 1970, 1973 and 1984, respectively.
The Ochsner lung transplant team has completed over 500 lung transplants
The Ochsner Transplant Institute offers robotic-assisted kidney transplantation, an advanced surgical option designed to improve outcomes for patients
The Ochsner Transplant Institute is proud to feature a fully operational organ pumping center, a specialized system designed to keep donor organs alive and functioning outside the body prior to transplantation. This advanced technology helps optimize organ health and improve outcomes for transplant patients
The Ochsner Kidney Transplant Program has earned ELITE status from INTERLINK COE Networks & Programs, a distinction achieved by demonstrating superior outcomes and ranking among the nation’s best transplant centers.

Our programs

Why patients choose the Ochsner Transplant Institute

Shorter wait times and comprehensive care

At the Ochsner Transplant Institute, you benefit from a streamlined, patient-centered process with short wait times, a one-day evaluation clinic and dedicated support at every step, helping you move forward faster and get back to the people and moments you love.

Successful outcomes

By pairing advanced technology with proven, innovative procedures, we give you the best possible chance at a successful transplant. Our results speak for themselves. Our success and survival rates consistently rise above national averages, giving you and your family real confidence and peace of mind.

Support for patients and families

You never have to face your transplant journey alone. From the very beginning, you are matched with a dedicated transplant coordinator who becomes your main point of contact before, during and after your transplant.

Resources

Referrals and second opinions
Referrals
To refer a patient to the Ochsner Transplant Institute or to learn more about the program, please contact us in one of the following ways:
Phone: 504-842-3925

Email:
Fax:
- Lung transplant - 504-842-6627
- Liver transplant- 504-703-2310
- Kidney transplant - 504-842-3343
Second opinions
If you’ve been turned down for an organ transplant or seek reassurance that your diagnosis is correct and you’re getting the right care, the next step may be a second opinion.
Call 504-842-3925 to make an appointment today.
Support groups

The transplant social workers lead several support groups to assist and educate patients and families with various transplant issues. These support groups meet at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans on Jefferson Highway.
For more information on support groups and meeting dates, contact our social workers at 504-842-3925.
Interpreter services

Interpreter services are available for all languages, including American Sign Language for the deaf or hard of hearing, for all aspects of your care and treatment with us, at no charge to the patient. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The interpreter may be a face-to-face interpreter, an over-the-phone interpreter or a video remote interpreter. During all other times, the hospital phone operators act as a liaison to access interpreter services.
For more information on interpreter services, call (504) 842-1717 or e-mail languageservices@ochsner.org.
Prescription Assistance Programs (PAPs)

We offer assistance with prescription costs through pharmaceutical programs. Talk to your social worker or transplant coordinator right away if you are struggling to keep up with your medicine costs. Some pharmaceutical companies have programs that may help pay for medicines for people who qualify and are underinsured or uninsured.
The Brent House Hotel

On-site lodging is available at the Brent House Hotel, our full-service hotel located on the Ochsner Medical Center campus. For reservations or information call 1-800-535-3986 or visit the Brent House Hotel website.
Financial considerations
Organ transplants can be financially overwhelming. We’re committed to making this process as accessible as possible. It's important to have a financial plan in place to cover all the costs associated with your transplant. These costs include:
- Medicines, medical visits, tests and procedures you need before and after transplant
- Care you need before and after transplant
- Insurance deductibles and co-pays
- Travel, food and housing before, during and after transplant for you and your caregiver
The Ochsner Transplant Institute accepts most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. You'll get to meet with one of Ochsner's transplant financial coordinators to review what your insurance plan covers. Once you're financially cleared by your coordinator, the transplant team will reach out to start your transplant evaluation process.