Heart Transplantation
Heart transplantation is offered to patients who have end-stage heart failure that can no longer be managed through the use of medications and other therapies. Patients who are possible candidates for heart transplantation undergo a careful evaluation to determine whether this surgery will be beneficial. After extensive discussion with their cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, patients who are good candidates for heart transplantation are registered with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) in order to find a donor heart.
Center for Heart Failure video
The Center for Heart Failure within the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute offers this advanced surgical procedure under the direction of Edwin C. McGee, MD, surgical director, Advanced Heart Failure Program, who has extensive experience in both donor procurement and heart transplantation. John B. O'Connell MD, an internationally recognized cardiologist and director of the Center for Heart Failure, and William G. Cotts, MD, medical director, Advanced Heart Failure Program, direct post-operative patient management both in the hospital and at home.
Many patients transfer to the Center for Heart Failure from outside institutions for heart transplantation surgery. We recognize the integral role that case managers and medical directors from outside institutions play in coordinating a safe and seamless transfer of care for their patients to the Center for Heart Failure. In addition to providing patients and families with information, this section is designed to provide case managers and medical directors with the necessary resources and information to best help their patients.
Contact
For more information regarding heart transplantation or to obtain a consultation, please contact the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at (866) 662-8467 (toll free).
For information regarding other organ transplantation opportunities at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, visit the Kovler Organ Transplantation Center.
Focus Area Guide
Heart Transplantation
Program Benefits
Multidisciplinary Team
Finances and Insurance
Case Managers and Medical Directors
Review Date: 08/07
