Since 1984, doctors at the U-M Health Heart Transplant program have performed more than 1,200 heart transplants. We have also implanted more than 1,000 ventricular assist devices (VADs), most as a way to “bridge” patients to transplant. 

Our closely integrated team of cardiac transplant surgeons and transplant cardiologists are able to treat and implant donor hearts in the sickest of patients because of our high volume, vast experience and active research program.

In addition, we can provide the multidisciplinary care required for complex transplant patients, encompassing specialists in advanced circulatory support, cardiac critical care, nutrition and social work. Our physicians also offer advanced experience treating patients with adult congenital heart disease, inherited cardiomyopathies (such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and transplant infectious disease.

Expanding our heart transplant program

The Adult Heart Transplant Program is working to increase the number of heart transplants performed, with several initiatives underway. We have:

• Initiated a program that allows selected patients to accept donors with active hepatitis C infection, followed by postoperative treatment to ensure the virus is eradicated.
• Acquired the recently FDA-approved Transmedics Organ Care system, which preserves donor hearts for longer periods of time, allowing us to accept donor hearts that before were not suitable because of distance limitations.
• Adopted a strategy that allows hearts to be transplanted from a donor who has suffered an irreversible brain injury, but does not meet formal brain death criteria.

To make an appointment to evaluate your need within our Transplant Center, call a patient care representative at 1-800-333-9013.

Here's what to expect with a heart transplant.

Research is an important component of the Transplant Center, where we are committed to cutting-edge studies that will benefit today's patient and patients of the future. A world leader in the research and development of mechanical heart pumps, also known as mechanical circulatory support and ventricular assist devices, we are now involved in a large NIH study as the principal investigator to determine the benefits of introducing mechanical pumps as a treatment option earlier in the heart disease process. Our patients have access to the newest heart pumps before they are available in other centers across the U.S. because we’re developing them.

• Heart Transplant Information Guide
• Pre- and Post-Transplant Informational Materials

Heart Transplant & LVAD Support Group

The Adult Heart Transplant & LVAD Support Group is open to pre- and post-heart transplant patients and their families, as well as those who have LVADs or who are considering getting one. The group offers social and emotional support as well as educational information. (See also the calendar events list near the bottom of the page under "Support Groups".)