Ochsner is the only comprehensive heart failure and heart transplant program in Louisiana that can deliver all services to take care of a patient in heart failure. Our team of experts have been performing pediatric heart transplants for over 30 years and has survival rates well above the national average. At Ochsner Hospital for Children, our dedicated team of specialists provide comprehensive heart failure, ventricular assist device, and transplant care to our smallest patients.

We provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treat our patients. Our team collaborates with child life services, palliative care, financial and nutritional support to provide care to our patient and family during this most difficult time in their lives.

Jake Kleinmahon, MD

Thomas Young, MD

Benjamin Peeler, MD

Michael Hines, MD

David Greenhouse, MD

Kathyrn Smiley, PA

Victor Lucas, MD

Ivory Crittendon, MD

Clifton Mixon, MD

Megan Lanier, PA

Jessica Gremillion
Transplant Coordinator

Danielle Terry
Transplant Coordinator

Claire Walley
Transplant Pharmacist

There are multiple reasons why a pediatric patient may need a heart transplant. They include the following:

• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• Myocarditis
• Congenital heart disease
• Restrictive cardiomyopathy
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Ischemic heart disease

The services offered for our pediatric patients include:

• Invasive and non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
• Inotrope support
• Electrophysiology therapy
• Short- and long-term mechanical circulatory support devices
• Cutting-edge surgical procedures
• Innovative cardiac rehabilitation
• Ongoing disease management education in both inpatient and outpatient settings
• Heart Transplant
• Psychological support

A ventricular assist device is a mechanical pump that can be implanted in either the left or right chamber of the heart. It helps the chamber to pump blood to the body. The types of ventricular assist devices used at Ochsner include:

• Berlin Heart
• Heartmate 3
• HVAD
• Pedimag
• Centrimag

To make an appointment, go to my.ochsner.org or call 504-842-5200.