HEART TRANSPLANTATION
HEART TRANSPLANTATION
UAB has maintained an active heart transplantation program since 1980 , and we have performed over 1,150 heart , heart / lung , and heart / kidney transplants since that time . Our outcomes are excellent ; UAB ’ s one-year and threeyear patient and graft survival rates are better than the expected rates and U . S . averages .
Our cardiologists and heart surgeons are supported by an experienced team of transplant specialists , including nurses , dietitians , care coordinators , mental health professionals , and social workers devoted to exceptional , comprehensive care . During each phase of the transplant process , patients have access to timely educational materials and learning sessions – including classes and supportive face-to-face discussions – which help ease patient concerns and promote more successful outcomes .
A unique and innovative feature of our program is the Heart / Lung Transplant Intensive Care Unit ( HLTICU ). This state-of-the-art , 20-bed unit is staffed by a skilled team dedicated to caring for heart transplant patients in the crucial early period after transplantation . Before patients move to the HLTICU , they are cared for in our Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit , which in 2021 earned a Silver Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses .
In addition , UAB is actively studying cardiac xenotransplantation , which is a promising approach to the treatment of end-stage heart failure and may provide a solution to the shortage of donor hearts . Research in this area is in the early stages and not yet ready for clinical trials .
EXCELLENCE IN THREE-YEAR PATIENT AND GRAFT SURVIVAL ( 2021 )
UAB ’ s three-year patient survival for heart transplantation was significantly better than the expected rate and U . S . average .
14 UAB Cardiovascular Institute Annual Report