Heart Failure & Transplant
OHSU Heart Transplant Program
The Center for Heart Failure and Transplantation at OHSU is the largest and longest-running heart transplant program in the region. The Program is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team, including cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, intensivists, clinical coordinators, and social workers who all specialize in the care of patients with advanced heart failure. Together, this team of specialists evaluates and treats heart failure patients with the most appropriate advanced therapies available, including augmented medical therapy, inotropes, ventricular assist devices and other forms of mechanical circulatory support, and heart transplantation.
Heart Failure Treatment
Heart failure occurs most commonly when the heart does not contract with enough force. There are numerous causes of heart failure, including intrinsic abnormalities of the heart muscle, coronary artery disease leading to inadequate blood flow to the heart, and longstanding valvular or congenital heart disease. Our team of experts work together to find the right treatment for each patient. Treatment options may include coronary artery bypass, heart valve repairs and replacements, and ventricular restoration.
Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD)
For some advanced heart failure patients, our surgeons may implant a cardiac assist device, also called a ventricular assist device (VAD). This is a mechanical pump that takes over the pumping function of the heart. A VAD can be used as a bridge to transplant to help patients survive outside of the hospital while waiting for a heart transplant. It can also be used as destination therapy, providing long-term support for patients who are not candidates for heart transplant. OHSU is the only designated Center of Excellence in the region for cardiac assist device implantation.
Heart Transplant
For some patients, a heart transplant is the only possible treatment option. OHSU cardiac surgeons have performed nearly 600 heart transplants, and OHSU is the only hospital in Oregon where heart transplants are certified by Medicare and Medicaid. Each heart transplant patient receives care from a team of cardiologists, surgeons, nursing clinical transplant coordinators, social worker, pharmacists and patient services coordinators. After the transplant, we provide regular monitoring for complications, 24-hour availability for diagnosis and treatment, and close coordination between you and the transplant team to ensure a long and full life. OHSU transplant results and outcome are the best in the Northwest, far exceeding the national average.
Living Longer – A Message of Hope
Thanks to research discoveries and technological innovations, heart failure patients are living longer than ever. OHSU has treated hundreds of patients from around the Northwest who continue to survive and lead productive lives with their families following heart transplantation or implant of a ventricular assist device.
