UPMC Heart Transplant Program Achieves Leading Patient Outcomes
February 4, 2026
As reported by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) in January 2026, the UPMC Heart Transplant Program patient outcomes are the best in the nation for 90-day survival rates following adult heart transplants. The UPMC Heart Transplant Program also ranks among the top three in the nation, continuing its legacy of innovation and exemplary patient care.
Between July 2022 and Dec. 2024, SRTR reported that UPMC’s heart transplant recipients had an estimated 95.72% survival rate in the first 90 days after transplant. The UPMC Heart Transplant Program also ranks among the top in the nation for patient survival rates one-year post-transplant, with an estimated rate of 95.90% — compared to the national average of 92.16%.
“Achieving leading patient outcomes in Pennsylvania — and ranking among the top programs nationally — proves the strength of our clinical protocols, our ongoing innovation, and our ability to manage the most complex cases,” says David Kaczorowski, MD, surgical director, UPMC Heart Transplant Program. “We remain focused on providing excellent outcomes for every patient.”
The UPMC Heart Transplant Program’s continued dedication to innovation and patient care has led to groundbreaking milestones throughout the years:
- UPMC was the first center in the world to perform a successful heart-liver transplant.
- UPMC was the first center in the world to perform a heart-liver-kidney transplant.
- UPMC was the first center in the world to perform a bloodless heart-kidney transplant.
- UPMC was the first heart transplant center in Pennsylvania to perform a donation after circulatory death (DCD) heart transplant.
- UPMC was the first center to discharge a patient home after a cardiac assist device implantation.
- UPMC was the second center in the world to perform a successful heart-lung transplant.
- UPMC was the second center in the nation to implant Jarvik Artificial Heart as a bridge-to-transplant.
Our team at UPMC is available to discuss your patient’s case or provide a second opinion. To refer a patient or consult with one of our experts, contact cttransplant@upmc.edu.
