After completing the initial tests, your physicians will determine your need for a heart transplant based on several criteria, which can include:
- End-stage cardiac disease that cannot be treated with medicine or surgery
- Absence of serious disease, no other medical obstacles to long-term survival
- Drug-free: No active drug, tobacco or alcohol abuse
- Strong support network, family and friends to assist during your recovery
- Age less than 70 years old, with a life expectancy of at least five to 10 years
If you have questions, talk to your doctor or transplant coordinator. You can also call UNOS at 888-894-6361 to learn more about the transplant process.
Transplant Research
Emory Transplant Center’s core mission is to provide quality care for patients in need of organ transplants while offering access to the most advanced transplant technology. That mission extends beyond the care of patients presenting today and includes improvement of the therapies available for future patients. As such, Emory Transplant Center has an exceptionally active research and development program that includes clinical trials and is seamlessly integrated into our clinical program.
Our research program has earned an international reputation for clinical excellence and medical breakthroughs. Follow the links below to learn more about our research program, including highlights and our outstanding faculty.
Research on heart transplantation includes:
- Emory's Cardiothoracic Surgery Center Clinical Synopsis researches, develops and investigates new techniques and technologies in cardiothoracic surgery to create better outcomes and patient comfort.
- The Cardiothoracic Research Laboratory conducts research and develops new technologies to treat cardiovascular diseases.
Research Highlights
Emory researchers have made significant strides in the field of transplantation. Emory performed Georgia’s first heart transplant, and currently offers the ventricular assist device (VAD) that is used as a bridge to transplant. Emory’s VAD program has the “Gold Seal of Approval” from The Joint Commission, and is one of only two certified programs of its kind in Georgia. Learn more about current research.
