SKIP TO CONTENT

The Heart of a Healthier Oklahoma

Oklahoma Man Celebrates 30th Anniversary Post Heart Transplant

“For the last thirty years, I have woken up every day with someone else’s heart,” says Willie. “It makes me emotional to think someone had to die for me to live.” But what a life he has lived. Willie believes living a good and full life is the only way to honor his donor and to be worthy of the amazing gift he received.

Heart Transplant

INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital has been a pioneer since performing Oklahoma's first heart transplant in 1985 and remains the state's only adult heart transplant program.

By using advanced medical and surgical techniques, we achieve excellent outcomes for heart failure patients, setting the standard for care in the region.

Heart Transplant

Why Choose INTEGRIS Health?

INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital is a leader in heart transplants with a highly experienced team.

Within a year of opening, the Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute at INTEGRIS Health, became one of the few U.S. hospitals to perform a human heart transplant. That year, Dr. Zuhdi also conducted Oklahoma's first piggyback heart transplant, a procedure done only five times nationwide at the time.

We receive national referrals and offer around-the-clock care with a dedicated transplant team. INTEGRIS Health stands at the forefront of heart transplant advancements, committed to saving lives with comprehensive support and expert care.

CMS Outcome Requirements and SRTR Reports

As part of your informed consent, we confirm that our program meets all Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) outcome requirements.

The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) updates national solid organ transplant data, including 1-year and 3-year patient survival rates, every January and July.

You can access specific transplant center information at www.srtr.org. If you need assistance accessing this data, our transplant coordinators can provide a copy upon request.

Additional Information

Learn more about other transplants offered at INTEGRIS Health Nazih Zudhi Transplant Institute.


INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital Heart Transplant Outcomes

With expert care, we ensure the best results and improved quality of life for our patients. Learn more about our heart transplant outcomes.

Understanding Heart Transplants

A heart transplant may be needed when other treatments fail for end-stage heart failure, where the heart can't pump blood effectively. This doesn't mean the heart stops, but it's too weak or damaged. Your health care provider may have other reasons for recommending a transplant.

 

A transplant team evaluates eligibility for a transplant.

The evaluation may include:

  • Psychological and social evaluation
  • Blood tests
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Vaccinations

The team reviews health history, physical exams and test results to determine transplant eligibility. Some may be ineligible due to:

  • Persistent infections
  • Poor circulation 
  • Metastatic cancer
  • Severe health issues intolerant to surgery
  • Noncompliance with treatment
  • Substance abuse
  • Other health-related conditions

Complications can arise from heart transplant surgery, including:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Breathing issues
  • Kidney failure
  • Coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV)
  • Donor heart failure
  • Death

The immune system may reject the new heart, viewing it as a foreign threat. To prevent this, lifelong medication is necessary to suppress the immune response, though these drugs have side effects. Discuss any specific health concerns with your health care provider before surgery.

The transplant team reviews your interviews, health history, physical exam and test results to determine eligibility for a heart transplant. If accepted, you're added to the United Network for Organ Sharing list. When a donor heart becomes available, selection depends on your condition's severity, body size and blood type. If selected, you must go to the hospital immediately because hearts must be transplanted within 4 hours of removal.

Heart Transplant Patient Orientation Videos

22:26

IACC Heart Pre-Transplant Education 2025

2:49
The Heart Transplant Process
26:32
Heart Transplant Orientation
More Videos