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Heart Failure and Transplant Program

When your child’s heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet their body’s needs, that is called heart failure. Heart failure in children can be a frightening diagnosis, but we have options for managing this condition and delaying the progression of the disease. At Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), our pediatric cardiac experts have extensive experience treating heart failure in children of all ages. Our goal is to investigate all the options that could improve your child's health and quality of life, including medications, the use of a mechanical device to help the heart pump blood and heart transplantation.

Our extensive support team will be by your family’s side through every stage of the treatment and transplant process.

How we serve you

We will give your child the very best care. To do this, we have specialized programs that help children during different stages of their heart failure treatment journey.

Conditions we treat

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parents smiling with their daughter that has a heart transplant scar.

Why choose the Heart Failure and Transplant Program

We have state-of-the-art facilities and next-generation technology. We deliver this high-level care through a family-centered approach that includes extensive training for you in how to care for your child at home.

Nurse tickling smiling baby boy that has a feeding tube.

Meet your team

Your child’s transplant team includes many different experts. Every team member is dedicated to supporting your child and family during each step — from waiting for a transplant to recovery and long-term monitoring.

Exterior of CHOP main hospital in Philadelphia

Our location

Get information about the heart failure and transplant care we provide at our Philadelphia Campus.

doctor holding a cute baby.

Our research

We are constantly striving to make research discoveries that lead to better treatment options for children experiencing heart failure.

Mom and daughter smiling and looking at the tablet.

Our resources

We have gathered resources to give you information and help you find answers to your questions. We hope this helps your family deal with any challenges you face.

Patient stories

Our Stories
After suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, Gabo needed a heart transplant. A year later, this active 9-year-old is participating in his favorite activities again, including hiking, skateboarding and ballet. 

Events

Cardiology 2025 conference hope heal learn

Cardiology 2025

Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025

Please join us for the 28th Annual Update on Pediatric and Congenital Cardiovascular Disease at the Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort.

Instructors ride at the Philly Spin-in

Philly Spin-In

Saturday, Mar 08, 2025

Philly Spin-In is a high-energy, team cycling party on a mission to change and save the lives of children with heart disease. Join the movement and ride for little hearts at CHOP! Join us in person or take the party to your place through our live-streamed session.

mom smiling and hugging her boy with a purple background behing them.

How we evaluate your child

If your child is referred to our Heart Transplant Program, you and your child will participate in a thorough evaluation. Our goal is not only to assess your child for transplantation but to explore other treatment options.

The waitlist process

If your child is a candidate for a pediatric heart transplant, your child will be listed through the organization that matches solid organ donations with candidates. Learn about who gets prioritized, what happens while you are waiting and more.

Medical Professionals conferring together

Resources for professionals

Everything you need to support your patient’s health, created and updated by our CHOP community of experts.

Cardiac Connection Family Newsletter

Be among the first to know about our latest breakthroughs – big and small. Subscribe to receive Cardiac Connection, a special e-newsletter for families that includes: updates on our research and treatment advances, patient stories, profiles of our clinicians, news about special Cardiac Center events and much more!

Your donation changes lives

A gift of any size helps us make lifesaving breakthroughs for children everywhere.

Blonde and green-eyed boy smiling while leaning against the wall.
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