University of Virginia Health System

Heart Transplantation

The heart transplant program at the University of Virginia has been in existence since 1989. Since then the UVa heart transplant team has performed more than 300 transplants, making it the top transplant center in the commonwealth. Our team has expertise in a wide variety of supportive therapies, such as Ventricular-Assist Devices, and is extensively involved with the development and application of heart failure medications and devices. This breadth of skills and experience provides care across the spectrum of heart failure management. Our experience extends from the very youngest patients to the oldest (the age range of transplant recipients at the time of transplant has been from 6 days to 73 years old). Moreover, survival statistics for the UVa heart transplant program meet or exceed national averages.

Ventricular-Assist Devices

A ventricular-assist device (or VAD) involves small pumps (often implantable) designed for temporarily assisting the heart (usually the left ventricle) to pump blood. These devices consist of a pumping chamber and a power source, which may be partially or totally external to the body and activated by electromagnetic motors. VADs are sometimes used after myocardial infarction or to provide a bridge therapy between heart failure and transplantation.

VAD technology provides important options for patients suffering from heart failure. It opens transplantation as a viable alternative for some and adds flexibility to the care options available to our patients.