Children are considered for a heart transplant when they have end stage heart disease or heart failure that cannot be significantly improved by either medical treatment or surgery. This is typically caused by cardiomyopathy or a congenital heart defect. Heart transplantation is one of the many services provided by our Advanced Cardiac Support Program within the Heart Center. We offer hope to children with some of the most complex conditions and heart failure. Learn about all the conditions we treat within our heart center including those potentially requiring heart transplant.
Surgical Treatments:
While your child awaits heart transplant, it maybe medically needed for them to obtain a ventricular assisted device also known as a VAD. A VAD is a mechanical pump that supports heart function and blood flow to organs when their heart cannot support them alone. Learn more about our VAD program.
Heart Transplantation:
Heart transplantation is a surgical operation where a sick, failing heart is replaced with a healthier donor heart. While a heart transplant is a major operation, your child’s chance of survival is good with appropriate follow-up care. Learn more about our Heart Transplant Program.
Heart/Lung Transplantation:
A heart/lung transplant is a surgical operation where a patient’s lung and/or heart disease is impacting both organs to the point a patient needs both a heart and a lung transplant. The surgical operation will replace both the heart and lung organs at the same time. St. Louis Children's Hospital is one of the few and most experienced providers of heart-lung transplants in the United States. Our expert care teams work seamlessly to ensure your child's health is paramount. Learn more about our Lung Transplant Program.
