Heart Transplant Program

At the Heart Transplant Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, we evaluate infants, children and adolescents who are potential candidates for heart transplantations. We specialize in caring for children with end-stage heart disease. Since the program’s inception in 1986, we have performed more than 220 heart transplants.

Key highlights

• Ranked No. 1 in the country by U.S.News & World Report
• Close collaboration with the Interventional Catheterization Program
• A leader in research and regulatory issues surrounding ventricular assist devices used in the United States

Mechanical circulatory support

Boston Children’s physicians and nurses have played a leading role in the research and regulatory issues surrounding pediatric ventricular assist device (VAD) use in the United States. These devices give blood circulation a boost and can serve as a life-saving bridge to transplant. Boston Children’s cardiologist Christopher Almond, was integral in designing and conducting the multi-institutional study of the Berlin Heart^®, which gained FDA approval for use in children in 2011. Boston Children’s continues to expand the field of VAD support in children by introducing new devices such as the HeartWare^® HVAD allowing children to be discharged home and to resume activities of life. A Boston Children’s patient was the first child in North America to go back to school with a VAD as she waits for a heart transplant. Learn more.

Top ranking from U.S.News & World Report

In 2012, U.S.News & World Report ranked Boston Children’s programs in cardiology and cardiac surgery No. 1 in the nation among pediatric hospitals.