UPMC Heart Transplant Program Recognized for Excellence in Patient Outcomes
July 30, 2026
The UPMC Heart Transplant Program achieved outstanding patient outcomes following adult heart transplantation, according to July 2026 data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR). The program ranked first in Pennsylvania for 90-day survival rates and also reported excellent one-year survival rates.
Between Jan. 2023 and Dec. 2025, the SRTR reported that UPMC's heart transplant recipients had an estimated 98.70% survival rate in the first 90 days after a transplant, higher than the national average of 95.44%. Also reported is the estimated probability of survival at one-year post transplant at 95.81%, also higher than the national average of 92.11%.
“The latest SRTR data demonstrate the exceptional work being done by our heart transplant team every day,” says David Kaczorowski, MD, surgical director of the UPMC Heart Transplant Program and chief of adult cardiac surgery at UPMC. "Achieving top outcomes in Pennsylvania is a testament to the expertise and innovation that defines our program. We are proud to provide patients with access to world-class care and outcomes that rank among the best in the nation.”
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.
