The UPMC Heart Transplant Program’s Patient Outcomes Among the Top in the Nation
July 24, 2025
The UPMC Heart Transplant Program remains at the forefront of national heart transplant patient outcomes, as exemplified in a recent report by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR). Led by David Kaczorowski, MD; Mary Keebler, MD; Ed Horn, PharmD; and Gavin Hickey, MD; the program continues a legacy of innovation and exemplary patient care.
In the SRTR biannual report that was released in July 2025, UPMC’s patient outcomes led the nation in 90-day survival rates following adult heart transplants. The data evaluated all adult heart transplants in the United States from January 2022 through June 2024. During that period, UPMC’s heart transplant recipients had an estimated 100% 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 95.60%.
“Achieving the top 90-day survival rate in the nation is a testament to the transplant team’s outstanding talent and dedication to our patients,” says David Kaczorowski, MD, surgical director of the UPMC Heart Transplant Program. “At UPMC, we work tirelessly to ensure that each patient in need of a heart transplant has access to the care they need. Our team’s mission is to give our patients the second chance at life they deserve.”
The UPMC Heart Transplant Program’s continued dedication to innovation has led to groundbreaking milestones throughout the years:
- UPMC was the first center to perform a bloodless combined heart-kidney transplant.
- UPMC was the first center in the world to perform a successful heart-liver transplant.
- 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.
- UPMC was the first heart transplant center in Pa. to perform a donation after circulatory death (DCD) heart transplant.
With more than 1,700 adult heart transplants completed, including some patients at their 30-year transplantation anniversary, UPMC’s rich legacy and excellent outcomes define the program as a pioneer in the field of heart transplant.
To learn more, or to refer a patient, contact cttransplant@upmc.edu.
