Your safety is our top priority. Our transplant team is committed to protecting your health and minimizing risks at every step.

Using state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based practices, we maintain the highest standards of care — from strict infection control protocols to seamless communication tools. Whenever possible, we perform advanced, minimally invasive procedures to help enhance safety, reduce recovery time and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Established in 1982, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center heart transplant program is among the most experienced globally, having performed over 1,100 heart transplants. The program offers a comprehensive continuum of care, from initial evaluation to post-transplant follow-up

Who qualifies

Candidates are typically patients with end-stage heart failure who have not responded to other treatments. Transplant might not be an option if there's active cancer that hasn't been treated, severe liver disease (cirrhosis), very serious long-term lung problems (COPD), high pressure in the lung's blood vessels or untreated mental health conditions like psychosis. Eligibility for transplant is determined by a multidisciplinary medical review board after thorough evaluation. Patients typically begin the process through a referral from their cardiologist.

Post-transplant care

After your heart transplant, you’ll have frequent follow-ups, including lab work every 1–2 weeks for the first three months and regular outpatient biopsies to check for rejection, especially in the first year.

To keep your new heart healthy, it’s important to live a heart-healthy lifestyle. This means staying active, eating well, maintaining a healthy weight and tracking your blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, temperature and pulse to help your care team monitor your progress.

The kidney transplant program at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center provides options for both deceased and living donor transplants. Patients can initiate the evaluation process by self-referral or through their health care provider. The evaluation includes lab tests and imaging to assess overall health. Post-transplant care involves regular follow-up visits to monitor kidney function.

Who qualifies

Patients with end-stage renal disease who are on dialysis or approaching the need for dialysis may be considered. Both deceased and living donor transplants are performed, with living donor options including paired exchange programs.

Post-transplant care

Following transplantation, patients are monitored closely, especially in the first year. Regular lab work and clinic visits are essential to assess kidney function and adjust medications.

After your kidney transplant, you’ll take medications to stop your body from rejecting the new kidney. These must be taken as long as the kidney is working. Common ones include Prograf, Cellcept and Prednisone.

You may also need other meds to manage blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol or to prevent infection. If you were taking medications before your transplant for other health conditions, you may need to restart those too.

Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center is home to one of the most experienced LVAD programs in the world. In partnership with Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Heart Institute, we provide access to a team of highly skilled:

• Heart surgeons and cardiologists
• Staff nurses
• Multiple organ and LVAD coordinators 
• Social workers
• Dietitians 

LVAD supports your heart in cases of end-stage heart failure, helping it continue to function. We may recommend an LVAD implant as a bridge to a heart transplant or if you're not a candidate for a transplant.

We are by your side at every step of the complex transplant process. Our team communicates with you promptly and clearly, starting from the moment we receive your referral. Once you become our patient, we’re your partners in health for life.

You can trust us to tend to your physical, emotional and spiritual needs throughout this challenging time. We’re also here to support your loved ones.

Operating since 1992, the liver transplant program is a collaboration between Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, ensuring a stable and experienced leadership team.

Who qualifies

Candidates typically have liver failure due to conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis or liver cancer. Eligibility is assessed based on the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, which prioritizes patients by medical urgency. The evaluation process starts with an appointment with a hepatologist

Post-transplant care

Post-transplant care includes regular follow-up appointments to monitor liver function and manage immunosuppressive therapy. Patients are educated on lifestyle changes to support their new liver's health.

Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center’s lung transplant program is recognized as a national leader and is designated as a Center of Excellence by Optum/United Healthcare. The program offers single and double lung transplants for patients with advanced or irreversible lung disease, including for patients with COVID-19-induced lung damage. 

Who qualifies

Candidates are patients with end-stage lung disease who have not benefited from other treatments. Eligibility criteria include being medically stable, having a good support system and being free from active infections or recent cancers. Candidates are evaluated based on disease severity, overall health and lifestyle factors. The evaluation includes various tests and consultations with specialists. Maintaining active medical insurance is essential during the waiting period.

Post-transplant care

Post-transplant care involves a complex regimen of medications, regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments. Patients receive support from a multidisciplinary team to manage their recovery and prevent complications.

When our transplant team receives a referral, we review potential transplant costs, insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses with you. Next, we schedule an initial consultation with a transplant specialist to discuss your options. 

If transplant is an appropriate treatment, you begin a thorough evaluation process. Depending on your condition, this may include:

• Imaging tests such as X-ray and CT scan
• Diagnostic tests including electrocardiogram and echocardiogram
• Lab tests
• Heart catheterization

Once you are cleared for transplant surgery, we add you to our transplant list. The Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center transplant list is a part of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), a private nonprofit organization that oversees organ allocation across the country. Our team continues to follow up with you and monitor your health until you are matched with an organ.