Heart Transplantation at UCLA

Heart transplantation was introduced as a clinical procedure over 30 years ago.  Since that time, the number of heart transplants performed yearly in the United States has increased to an annual rate of well over 2,300.   The procedure is now widely recognized as an effective therapeutic option for the treatment of end-stage heart disease.

Dr. Hillel Laks, an internationally renowned adult and pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, began UCLA's program in 1984. Since the inception of the program, over 1,440 patients have undergone this life-saving procedure. The development of effective immunosuppressive drugs and the refinement of surgical procedures have led to remarkable improvements in the long-term success of heart transplantation.

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) provides a toll-free patient services lines to help transplant candidates, recipients, and family members understand organ allocation practices and  transplantation data. You may also call this number to discuss problems you may be experiencing with your transplant center or the transplantation system in general. The toll-free patient services line number is 1-888-894-6361