A Program Designed Just for Kids

The Pediatric Heart Transplant Program, at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, provides a continuum of care for children and teens with heart failure. From evaluation and medical management of heart failure to heart transplantation, choose Children’s Hospital of Michigan, the only dedicated pediatric heart surgery program in Metro Detroit.

Heart Transplant

Why Might My Child Need a Heart Transplant?

For some children and teens with heart disease, even the most extensive treatment with medication or conventional cardiac surgery is not enough to restore health and maintain a good quality of life. These patients may be considered for heart transplantation.

What to expect if your child needs a Heart Transplant

Your child will have the same team of providers from the time of referral and beyond. During your transplant evaluation you will meet the whole team, review treatment options specific to your child and what to expect throughout the process.

Preparing to get a heart transplant can be overwhelming but we will be with you every step of the way. Our experienced team is here to help answer your questions and work together to keep up with an active life.

Why choose us for your child’s heart transplant care

Heart Transplant Care to Meet Your Needs

Imagine an all-inclusive team of medical experts that collaborate to create a customized plan of care that is focused on your child and family’s needs. Our heart transplant program collaborates with different subspecialties, ensuring every part of your child’s care is addressed. From heart transplant surgeons, pediatric cardiologists and nurse practitioners to dietitians, child-life specialists, social workers, pharmacists, and physical and occupational therapists, you can expect a cohesive, multidisciplinary team approach throughout your child’s heart transplant care. We are fully committed to ensuring that your child has the best possible health and quality of life.

Focus on Advanced Therapies and Medical Management

Our advanced heart failure program offers a full range of medical and surgical therapies for children when their hearts cannot keep up with their bodies’ needs. With specialized expertise we are equipped to manage even the most complex cases. Often this means we can avoid or delay heart transplant.

Doctors will first see if medicine, cardiac intervention via catheterization, or heart surgery can improve the heart enough. If these don’t work, your child’s doctors may recommend a transplant. This means replacing your child’s diseased heart with a healthy heart from a donor. A heart transplant in a child typically lasts well into adulthood.

Bridge to Transplant

Whether your child is in end-stage heart failure or has a complex congenital heart disease not improved by medical treatments and interventions, our goal is to improve your child’s quality of life. Some children may need mechanical circulatory support while waiting for transplant. We offer ventricular assist device (VAD) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge to transplant that is tailored to your child's size, diagnosis and need for both short- and long-term assistance. ECMO is a form of heart-lung bypass used to pump oxygen-rich blood through your child’s body when their heart is unable to do so effectively. A VAD is a mechanical pump implanted inside or outside your child’s chest.