Heart & Lung Transplant Service
The Alfred’s heart and lung transplant program commenced in 1989. Since then, many Victorians have received life-saving heart and lung transplants.
In 2017-18, we performed 108 lung transplants, including five paediatric lung transplants, and 25 heart transplants, giving many Victorians a second chance at life.
Lung transplant
Since commencing in 1990, our Lung Transplant Unit has provided life-saving surgery to over 1200 patients.
We are one of the biggest and most successful transplant programs in the world and as such, we have built an international reputation for achieving effective and positive outcomes for our patients.
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Heart transplant
The Alfred has been performing heart transplants for Victorians for over 25 years and are recognised as world leaders.
Since 1989, many lives have been saved, with more than 600 heart transplants completed.
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Paediatric lung transplant
The Alfred has the only dedicated Paediatric Lung Transplant Service in Australia.
We have looked after children who have advanced lung disease from across Australia and New Zealand and results have been excellent. We transplant one to four children each year.
Our services
We provide lifetime care for all Victorian transplant patients.
Lung transplant is offered to patients who have severe lung disease for which other treatment options are no longer adequate. The Alfred on average assesses two to three patients every week for a possible lung transplant.
The most common diseases which result in the need for a heart transplant are coronary heart disease and cardiomyopathy.
Our multi-disciplinary team includes physicians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, dieticians, transplant clinic nurses, surgeons and anaesthetists.
Our teaching and education
Getting healthy and back to day-to-day activities is a major focus we have for our transplant patients.
We provide our patients with a range of education sessions and materials both pre and post-transplant to maximise their ability to reach their individual recovery goals.
Our research
Our commitment to excellence is ongoing, and we are constantly engaging in new research and trials to seek the best treatment for our patients.