3,000 Cardiothoracic Transplants Second in the World, First in the Region
As we reach a significant milestone with our 3,000th heart, lung, or heart-lung transplant, the surgeons and specialists at UPMC Transplantation Services continue to develop some of the most extensive clinical expertise in the field, giving hope to patients.
But history and expertise are only part of what makes this milestone so meaningful. We are honored by the trust and support of patients and families from across 43 states, and throughout nine countries.
Christian Bermudez, MD
Chief, Cardiothoracic Transplantation, UPMC
History of Excellence
Since the inception of our Cardiothoracic Transplant Program in the early 1980s, our team of surgeons, cardiologists, pulmonologists, nurse coordinators, and many more has performed 3,000 heart, lung, or heart-lung transplants, further establishing UPMC as a pioneer in the field of transplantation.
Volume and Outcomes
Our long history of transplantation excellence is what enables us to treat patients considered too high-risk by other institutions, and to meet or exceed national averages, according to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, while providing the best possible pre- and post-transplant care for our patients.
Elite Team of Experts
Our multidisciplinary team of heart and lung experts remain committed to providing a continuum of care for patients, from referral to post-transplant. We take pride in a collaborative approach with referring physicians to ensure that patients are properly taken care of, whether or not they are candidates for transplantation.
Groundbreaking Research
As the program that defined major advances in the use of immunosuppression, our team of experts continues to lead the way in transplant research, including the use of ventricular assist devices (LVAD) to extend the time before a transplant is required, or in some cases, to eliminate the need for a heart transplant altogether (destination therapy). Additionally, our team is at the forefront of developing preconditioning regimens that may reduce the incidence of chronic rejection, as well as the need for immunosuppressive medications, thus reducing the drugs' toxicity.
Heart and Lung Health Reference Information