Being diagnosed with end-stage heart disease is often a confusing and frightening time for both you and your family. We'll provide you with a designated transplant team member to talk with you about your disease, treatment options and which options are best suited for you. Additionally, our team of doctors, advanced practice providers, case management nurses, technicians, dietitians, social workers and many others is available to provide care and support throughout the transplant process, during your hospital stay and after you return home.
Patient Guides
You Should Trust Your Heart Transplant to Nebraska Medicine's Experts Because
Nebraska Medicine is the only medical center in the region with a nationally certified heart specialist in heart failure.
As of late July 2016, we've done more than 225 transplants since launching in 2005. In 2016 alone we performed more than 40 transplants.
We consistently have better than national average patient survival rates.
We are the only medical center in the region with both Medicare designated heart transplantation and an integrated Joint Commission-certified heart failure program.
Nebraska Medicine is the only medical center in the region to offer a total artificial heart program, the most advanced support available for patients with heart failure. The artificial heart serves as a bridge to transplant to allow a patient to regain their strength until a donor heart becomes available. Learn more about Mechanical Circulatory Support at Nebraska Medicine.
Our Mechanical Assist Device support program helps patients who require immediate assistance while waiting for an appropriate match from the heart transplant list.
For patients experiencing reduced heart function such as heart failure, our comprehensive team of specialists is here to guide you through your treatment options, including heart transplant.
We specialize in transplanting more than one organ at the same time.
Expertise
Our dedicated efforts in education, research and clinical medicine helped shape the field of transplantation, attracting patients from across the country and around the world. We give you access to renowned specialists, comprehensive care and support from pre-evaluation to long-term follow-up care.
National Certifications
Nebraska Medicine is the only medical center in the region with a nationally certified heart specialist in heart failure, and Medicare-designated heart transplantation and an integrated Joint Commission-certified heart failure program.
Advanced procedures
Nebraska Medicine is home to one of the most reputable and well-known organ transplant programs in the country. Our comprehensive approach to heart care gives patients more options, ranging from minimally invasive procedures to total artificial heart transplants.
Collaboration across your care
Our dedicated team of specialists work collectively with your physician, pharmacist and others to provide you the best quality of care delivered as efficiently as possible. Together, we provide education, conduct a thorough evaluation of your health, and create a detailed care plan to make the right treatment available to you.
We Provide You With
Guidance and support
One of our dedicated team members will work directly with you, answering questions, following up on your care and more. They're your go-to for all things heart. We also provide a Mechanical Assist Device support program for patients who require immediate assistance while waiting for an appropriate match on the heart transplant list. Learn more about our Heart Failure Program.
Outpatient/Inpatient Heart Failure Consultation
Our team of specialists from a variety of disciples collaborate with you and your doctor to create the right inpatient or outpatient care plan for you. Together, we'll determine the appropriate treatment, therapies and patient care to help give you the best possible outcome.
Individualized Plan of Medical Therapy Tailored to Advanced Heart Failure
There are numerous causes for heart failure. For this reason, we develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Our treatment plans are developed cooperatively with you, your physician, and our multidisciplinary team to create the best plan of care.
Nutritional Evaluation and Counseling
As part of your treatment process, our dietitians will work with you to develop a plan for making heart-healthy decisions. Through counseling and ongoing communication, you'll find a partner in your journey to better health.
Help With Medications
As part of your care plan, we'll evaluate any medications you're currently taking and discuss options for medication therapy management.
Implantable Devices (pacemakers, defibrillators)
Surgical treatment options such as a pacemaker or defibrillator can help regulate uncontrollable heartbeats, and can be used as a temporary or permanent solution.
Advanced Techniques in Heart Surgery
Our specialists provide advanced surgical options that range from open heart surgery to minimally invasive cardiac surgery procedures. These procedures include artery bypass graft procedures and valve surgery.
Mechanical Circulatory Support (implantable VAD)
For patients with more advanced heart failure, Nebraska Medicine offers treatment solutions such as an implantable Left Ventricular Assist Device. This solution is often used as a bridge therapy to heart transplant or another long-term treatment.
See Our Statistics
The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) is an ever-expanding national database of transplantation statistics. Founded in 1987, the registry exists to support the ongoing evaluation of the scientific and clinical status of solid organ transplantation, including kidney, heart, liver, lung, intestine and pancreas.
Data in the registry is collected by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) from hospitals and organ procurement organizations (OPOs) across the country. The SRTR contains current and past information about the full continuum of transplant activity—from organ donation and waiting list candidates to transplant recipients and survival statistics. This information is used to help develop evidence-based policy, to support analysis of transplant programs and OPOs, and to encourage research on issues of importance to the transplant community.
Accreditations and Awards
Integrated Joint Commission Certified Heart Failure Program - 2007 to Present
