Heart Failure & Transplant

The Alfred Heart Transplant Service has been a leading centre since the first transplant was performed in 1988. The centre coordinates over 20 heart transplants per year, and covers three states. 

The Alfred Heart Transplant Service provides care and support for patients who have been referred for assessment for a heart transplant, while they are on the waiting list and following their transplant surgery. This includes patients with Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs).

We run several clinics which provide medical and nursing support for outpatients and inpatients.

Referring for transplantation

Cardiac transplantation is a complex procedure reserved for patients with advanced heart failure. It is important to consider that other significant comorbidities can reduce the chances of success, and as such, patients referred for consideration of transplantation undergo a comprehensive clinical review in our Heart Failure & Transplant Clinic.

Early referral is very important, and we are happy to review any patient you believe should be considered.

Ventricular assist devices

Ventricular assist devices, often referred to as VADs, are small mechanical surgically implanted pumps that provide forward blood flow in patients with severe heart failure. Patients who undergo VAD implantation are considered for cardiac transplantation once a period of stabilisation and rehabilitation has occurred. 

After transplantation

We run a dedicated short and long term follow up clinic for patients who have undergone cardiac transplantation. Patients undergo routine screening tests following transplant, including echocardiography, angiography, cardiac biopsies and more. All of these tests are organised by our transplant team at the time of clinical review, and if you have questions please do not hesitate to contact us.