Heart Transplant Program
The UCSF Heart Transplant Program has performed more than 250 transplants since its first transplant in March 1989.
Heart failure affects nearly 5 million Americans and causes or contributes to as many as a quarter of a million deaths each year. It is a progressive condition in which the heart muscle weakens and gradually loses its ability to pump enough blood to supply the body.
More people are surviving heart attacks but are then left with weakened hearts, so heart failure is the only major cardiovascular disorder on the rise. Between 400,000 and 700,000 new cases are reported every year.
Heart transplants are the most advanced treatment for end-stage heart disease, which is the final phase of heart disease when no other effective treatment remains.
Doctor referral required
Coronavirus update
FAQ: Coronavirus Basics for Transplant PatientsOur providers are available for patient appointments throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter-in-place order. Appointment options for new and current patients include:
- Video visits
- In-person visits at UCSF locations for urgent cardiovascular symptoms, diagnostic evaluation and urgent lab work. If you are having an emergency, call 911.
The health, safety and well-being of our patients remains our top priority. Accordingly, UCSF has infection prevention practices and protocols in place at all of our facilities.
To learn more, please read our article on cardiovascular care during the pandemic. It includes answers to frequently asked questions about cardiovascular care and COVID-19, as well as information to help keep you healthy and safe during this time.
Our locations
Our team
-
Georg Wieselthaler
MD
Heart and lung surgeon -
Richard Cheng
MD
Cardiologist -
Teresa De Marco
MD
Cardiologist -
Jamie L. W. Kennedy
MD
Cardiologist -
Liviu Klein
MD, MS
Cardiologist -
Teng C. Lee
MD, FACS
Heart and lung surgeon -
Katie Watkins Dewey
PharmD
Pharmacist -
Rebecca Florez
PharmD
Pharmacist -
Kerry Kumar
RN
Registered nurse -
Jill Obata
NP, MSN
Transplant nurse coordinator
Clinical trials
Support services
Plan your visit
International Services
If you live in another country and are coming to UCSF for medical
treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.
Interpreters
UCSF offers language services at no charge for patients with limited
English, as well as for patients who are deaf or have trouble hearing.
Hospital Stays
Checking into the hospital? Find helpful information by clicking on the relevant “Your Hospital Stay” booklet: Mission Bay, Parnassus or Mount
Zion.
Your Doctor Visit
See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.
Learn moreWhat to Bring
- If possible, please send in advance CT scans, chest X-rays, all test results and all other images for review. To ensure a comprehensive first visit, please bring copies of these medical records to your appointment as well.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
Related clinics
Our research initiatives
-
UCSF Division of Cardiology Research
Researchers at the UCSF Division of Cardiology investigate all aspects of heart disorders, from how disease develops to who is most at risk, with an emphasis on translating key findings into more effective care.
Do you need pediatric care?
