Heart Transplant

A heart transplant is a surgery to replace a damaged or diseased heart with a healthy one from a donor. It’s a major procedure, but it can save your life and help you feel better, giving you the chance to enjoy the things you love again.

In 2023 and 2024, Tufts Medical Center in Boston proudly broke the New England record for the most heart transplants performed in a single year. This milestone highlights our advanced medical expertise and dedication to supporting you every step of the way—from preparation to recovery and beyond. 
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National leader in heart transplants: Expert care you can trust

Since our first heart transplant in 1985, we’ve helped hundreds of people live longer and feel better. In 2024, Tufts Medical Center performed 70 heart transplants, breaking our own 2023 record for the most transplants in Boston and New England.

You might need a heart transplant if you have been experiencing chronic heart issues and other treatments aren’t helping. This can happen if your heart can’t pump enough blood to your body, making everyday activities like breathing and moving difficult. Conditions like heart failure, heart disease or damage from a heart attack may lead to this need.

If you’re healthy enough for surgery and other treatments haven’t worked, a heart transplant can give you a fresh start and help you feel better. 
Amanda Vest, MD, Director of the Advanced Heart Failure Program at Tufts Medical Center, is talking to cardiovascular patient during a clinic appointment.
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Conditions

A heart transplant may be needed when your heart isn’t responding to other treatment options. Some of the conditions that might lead to needing a heart transplant include: 

  • Cardiomyopathy: When the heart muscle becomes weak, thick or stiff.
  • Coronary artery disease: When the blood vessels around the heart are blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle.
  • Heart attack: If the heart has been damaged from a heart attack and can’t recover.
  • Heart failure: When the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
  • Heart valve disease: When the heart’s valves don’t work correctly, leading to poor blood flow.

If you have one of these conditions and treatments like medicines or heart devices aren’t working, a heart transplant may be the next option. Our expert team will guide you through the process to find the best path for your health. 
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Testing

Preparing for a heart transplant involves careful testing to make sure your body is ready and we can plan for the best outcome. This includes blood work, heart imaging​ and visits with our team to review your overall health.

Every step is designed to guide you, keep you safe​ and make sure you feel supported and informed throughout the process, including:

  • Behavioral health screening: A check to see if you’re mentally and emotionally ready for a transplant and recovery.
  • Blood and urine tests: To check your organs, screen for infections​ and find a donor match.
  • Cardiac catheterization: Checking for blockages and heart pressure.
  • Cardiac MRI or CT scan: Detailed images of your heart and blood vessels.
  • Cardiac output measurement: Evaluates how well your heart pumps blood.
  • Cardiac stress test: Assesses how your heart works during physical activity.  
  • Chest X-ray: Checks the size and shape of your heart and lungs.
  • Echocardiogram: An ultrasound to see how well your heart pumps and its overall condition.
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG): Measures your heart’s electrical activity.
  • Heart biopsy: In some cases, doctors may test a small piece of your heart muscle for damage or inflammation.
  • Immunology testing: Screens for donor compatibility and organ rejection risk.
  • Infectious disease evaluation: Screens for active infections like HIV, hepatitis or tuberculosis.
  • Kidney and liver function tests: Ensures these organs can handle surgery and medications.
  • Pulmonary function tests: Checks your lung health, which is critical for recovery.
  • Vascular studies: Ultrasounds of the arteries in your neck and legs to check for any blockages that could affect blood flow.

In addition to your medical evaluation, you’ll meet with specialists who help guide your care and make sure you’re fully prepared and supported throughout the process.

  • Financial coordination review: Our financial team will go over your insurance and expected costs before and after transplant, so you know what to expect and feel confident moving forward.
  • Pharmacy consultation: A pharmacist will review your medications and prescription coverage to make sure everything is ready for surgery and recovery.
  • Psychiatry consultation: A behavioral health specialist will meet with you to make sure you’re mentally and emotionally prepared for the transplant and the recovery process.
  • Social work consultation: Our social worker will talk with you about personal and social factors that can affect your transplant journey and help connect you with the support you need.

The heart transplant assessment looks at your results and any factors that could affect your long-term health. Certain guidelines are used to make sure your chances for a successful transplant are as high as possible. Once all testing and consultations are complete, the team decides if a heart transplant is the right step for you. If approved, you’ll be added to the transplant waiting list. This process is designed to guide your care, keep you safe​ and give you the best chance for a healthy recovery.
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Treatments

We take the time to carefully check your health to decide if a heart transplant is the right choice for you. If you qualify, we’ll add your name to the national organ waiting list managed by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). They’ll match you with a donor heart based on blood type, size and tissue compatibility.   

After your transplant, ongoing care is key to keeping your new heart healthy. Here’s what to expect:  

  • Infection prevention: You may need medications to lower your risk of infections while taking anti-rejection drugs.
  • Lifestyle changes: Eating healthy, staying active and avoiding smoking or alcohol will help protect your heart and improve your overall health.
  • Medications: You’ll need to take special medicines to stop your body from rejecting the new heart. These drugs are closely monitored to manage any side effects.
  • Regular checkups: Frequent visits, tests and heart biopsies will make sure your heart is working well and catch any problems early.  

We’ll be with you every step of the way, offering expert care and support so you can live your best life with your new heart.
Heart Month Leading Way
Achievement

Leading the way: Inside New England’s number 1 heart transplant program

At Tufts Medical Center, we are proud to lead New England in heart transplant care. Since 1985, we’ve performed over 820 transplants and set a record with 70 in 2024, all with a 100% survival rate. Our strong partnerships with other hospitals help us reduce wait times and offer patients quicker access to life-saving care.
  • I can't say enough for the care that I received from the whole [heart failure + transplant] team. From day one of the evaluation I have felt so supported. I am where I am today because of my donor family and the Tufts Medical Center team’s support and care.
    Tufts Medical Center
    Read Ann's story
    Heart transplant patient stands with family
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    FAQs
    What should I expect after my heart transplant?

    After your heart transplant, you’ll work closely with your transplant team to monitor your health and guide your recovery. You’ll take medications to prevent rejection, attend regular checkups and gradually return to daily activities. Recovery is different for each person, but your team will help you every step of the way. They will also give you advice on work, travel and lifestyle to help you stay healthy for a long time.
    How does a heart transplant work?

    A heart transplant is a life-saving procedure in which a weakened or diseased heart is replaced with a healthy donor heart through a complex cardiac transplant surgery. The process begins with thoroughly evaluating your heart failure symptoms, overall health and medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. This includes assessing your heart's function, the severity of your condition and your ability to undergo surgery.  

    Once a suitable donor heart is found, our experienced surgical team carefully performs the cardiac transplant, ensuring that every step—from anesthesia to the implantation of the donor heart—is performed with precision. Throughout the heart transplant procedure and recovery, you will be supported by a dedicated team of specialists who monitor your progress, manage pain and help with rehabilitation to ensure the best possible outcome. 
    How long does heart transplant surgery take?

    Heart transplant surgery typically takes about 6 hours. This includes removing the diseased heart, implanting the donor's heart and ensuring it functions properly. Recovery after heart transplant surgery is a critical phase that involves close monitoring by your care team to ensure your body accepts the new heart and to watch for signs of rejection or infection. This period includes intensive post-operative care, pain management, and a gradual return to daily activities, with a strong emphasis on following medication protocols and attending regular check-ups. 
    How long does a heart transplant last?

    A heart transplant can last many years, with the average donor heart functioning for 10 to 15 years, depending on various factors like overall health and adherence to medical care, although recurrent heart failure in your new organ is possible. Thanks to significant advances in heart transplant surgery and post-operative care, patient outcomes have dramatically improved, allowing many individuals to live longer, healthier lives after the procedure.  

    These improvements include more precise surgical techniques, better organ matching, and enhanced post-transplant therapies to minimize rejection. At Tufts Medical Center, we are committed to providing expert care and ongoing monitoring, ensuring that your cardiac transplant delivers the best possible long-term results. 
    How successful are heart transplants?

    Heart transplants are highly successful procedures, with most patients experiencing significant improvements in heart function, energy levels, and overall quality of life. Success rates are further enhanced at Tufts Medical Center, where we combine advanced cardiac transplant surgery with personalized, compassionate care.  

    The long-term success of a heart transplant depends on several factors, including the patient’s general health, commitment to taking medications as prescribed, and regular follow-up care. With proper management, many patients live with improved heart health for years enjoying an active, fulfilling life. 
    How many heart transplants has Tufts Medical Center performed?

    Since 1985, Tufts Medical Center has performed more than 800 heart transplants. In 2024, we set a new record by completing 70 heart transplants—the most of any hospital in New England—breaking our own record of 61 transplants in 2023. 
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