Regional leaders in heart transplant and VAD
If you or a loved one needs a heart transplant, you are connected to the experienced cardiologists and surgeons at Ascension Seton in Central Texas. We have the only heart transplant program in the region, and provide the most comprehensive cardiovascular care. Your heart care starts by meeting with cardiovascular specialists with the expertise to diagnose, treat and manage advanced heart failure. Together, a team of doctors dedicated to your personalized heart care delivers advanced heart and vascular care with the goal of helping to improve your heart function and get you back to your life and family.
Ascension Seton Heart Specialty Care and Transplant Center has maintained the Heart Transplant certification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services since 1986. And, we have been certified by The Joint Commission as a Destination Therapy Ventricular Assist Device Program and a Bridge to Transplant (BTT) program.
Heart care that is right for you
Every appointment starts with a conversation about how you are feeling, any new symptoms or concerns. Then, your doctor will provide a health evaluation to better understand your condition. Your care team includes a nurse coordinator who is with you every step of the way. Your nurse coordinator guides you through your evaluation and tests, meets with your specialists, and works with your doctor on your care plan and post-surgery rehabilitation. This may include a VAD, a transplant or therapies to help manage your heart failure. In some cases, a VAD may be needed before a transplant.
Ventricular assist device (VAD) for heart failure
A ventricular assist device helps your heart temporarily or permanently pump blood throughout your body. A VAD may be recommended by your doctor if you are recovering from surgery, awaiting a heart transplant or unable to receive a heart transplant. The three types of VAD devices are:
- Biventricular assist device (BIVAD)
- Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
- Right ventricular assist device (RVAD)
Receiving a VAD requires an open-heart surgery that may require you to stay in the hospital. Your multispecialty care team includes cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, nurse coordinators, advanced practice doctors, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers, and more. After your surgery, your care team works with you and your caregivers to help you have an easier transition to your home, skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation care facility.
The only heart transplant program in the Austin area
You may need a heart transplant if your heart doesn’t respond to an implanted device or medications. There are many factors that determine your acceptance as a heart transplant candidate, including, but not limited to:
- Active infections or cancer
- Age
- Mental health
- Stage of heart failure
- Use of alcohol or tobacco
If you are a candidate for a heart transplant, you will be placed on the national waitlist. Wait times can vary from a few months to years, depending on your size, blood typing, tissue typing and organ availability.
While you are waiting for your new heart, you and your care team stay connected, with follow-up visits to monitor your heart health. Talk with your doctor about any new symptoms, your medications and diet while you prepare for your transplant.
Get a second opinion from a cardiologist
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and cardiovascular care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Seton. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized heart care plan.
When you are facing a new diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. If you are looking for a second opinion for advanced heart care, our cardiologists can also connect you with the right specialists for ventricular assist devices (VADs) and heart transplant. Our heart specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national care team.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.