Heart Transplant Team Performs 100th Procedure, Rises to Top Program in Southeast

AdventHealth is pleased to announce its heart transplant team performed their 100^th procedure on Christmas, marking a significant milestone for the program.

The AdventHealth Transplant Institute launched the specialty in 2012, and the medical team performed six heart transplants that year. In 2015, the heart transplant team performed 26 procedures. And in 2016, the five-member physician team performed 52 heart transplants.

To reach 100 heart transplants within five years is a testament to our consummate physicians and highly skilled clinical teams who share a deep commitment to providing patients the highest quality of care, said Barry Friedman, senior administrative director of the AdventHealth Transplant Institute.

It seemed only fitting that the 100^th heart transplant occurred on Christmas.

Kevin Grady, who became ill in December 2015 because a virus attacked his heart, said Dr. Nirav Raval, medical director of thoracic transplant programs, called him on Christmas and asked if he had opened all his presents.

He said, Ive got one more for you, Grady recalled.

So, the Titusville resident headed to the hospital and had a heart transplant that day.

Its the most amazing thing Ive ever witnessed, Grady said. Im feeling great and am just amazed.

According to 2016 Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data, AdventHealth was the top heart transplant program by volume in the Southeast United States region, which includes Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Puerto Rico.

Patients have traveled from as far as Duval and Broward counties for a heart transplant at AdventHealth Orlando.

Patients have also traveled great distances for treatment such as ventricular assist device (VAD) implants. These devices can be used as a bridge to help a heart failure patient, or as a permanent treatment for someone needing chronic heart failure support, but who is not a candidate for a transplant.

We are committed to being the stable, high-quality, high-volume program that Central Florida deserves, Raval said. We thank our patients and referring doctors who trust us; and we thank our donors and families, who make miracles out of tragedy.

For media inquiries only, call AdventHealth Corporate Communications at Call407-303-8217.