Heart Institute
Heart Transplant Program
The Baptist Health Heart Transplant Program began in 1989 and is currently the only active adult heart transplant program in the state of Arkansas. Close to 200 transplants have been performed since the inception of the program. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services certified Baptist Health Heart Transplant Program as a Medicare Center for heart transplantation in 2005.
Introduction to Heart Transplant
A heart transplant is an operation in which a failing, diseased heart is replaced with a healthier, donor heart. Heart transplantation is a treatment option that is usually reserved for people who have tried medications or other surgeries, but their conditions haven't improved sufficiently.
While a heart transplantation is a major operation, your chance of survival is good with appropriate follow-up care. The process of heart transplantation takes a team effort from evaluation to recovery. Your heart transplant team consists of nurses, physicians, surgeons, dietitians, social workers, pharmacists and cardiac rehabilitation specialists who work with each patient and their family to aid in the success of their heart transplant.
When faced with a decision about having a heart transplant, know what to expect of the heart transplant process, the surgery itself, potential risks and follow-up care. The more you and your family know about your heart transplant prior to heart transplant surgery, the better your long-term outcome after heart transplantation will be. Our goal is to relieve some of your anxiety about heart transplantation and help you enjoy the outcomes following your heart transplant.
The Baptist Health Heart Transplant Program is surgically led by Dr. John Ransom and medically directed by Dr. Steve Hutchins. Both physicians have been with the program since its inception and have worked hard to provide a high quality transplant program for all Arkansans. Currently, Dr. Ransom, Dr. Hutchins and their staff monitor and care for hundreds of transplant patients in varying stages of the transplant process. All the transplant staff members involved with the program are dedicated to making this a positive experience for the referring physicians, their patients and families.
It is through the generous gift of donors and
donor families that transplantation is made possible!
Survival Rates
For those patients receiving their first transplant at Baptist Health between January 1, 2009 and June 30, 2011, the survival rate at 1 month was 100% and 89% the first year following transplantation. For those patients receiving their first transplant at Baptist Health between July 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008, the three year survival rate for our program was 74%.
Baptist Health Transplant Team Directory
Surgical Director: Dr. John Ransom
Medical Director: Dr. Steve Hutchins
Transplant/VAD Surgeon: Dr. Derlis Martino
Transplant/VAD Cardiologist: Dr. Jim Kizziar
Transplant/VAD Manager: Melony Hilton
Transplant Coordinators:
Nancy Hastings - (501)202-1312
Lola Fish, RN (501) 202-1890
Stephanie Chapman - (501)202-2259
Transplant/VAD Social Worker: Lindsey Estes (501) 202-2809
Business Manager: Melissa Wyles (501) 202-1592
Financial Coordinator: Yvonne Vaughn (501) 202-7559
Transplant/VAD Pharmacist: Jennifer Day (501) 202-2117
Transplant/VAD Dietician: Robin Reynolds (501)202-7371
Transplant/VAD Assistants:
Tressie Junior (501) 202-1391
Anna Carr (501) 202-2147
Baptist Health Transplant/VAD Institute
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on recognized holidays).
501-202-1500, option 2
501-202-1133 fax
800-768-8003 toll-free
Information for Physicians and other Medical Professionals
Medical professionals interested in referring a patient to our clinic, please utilize the following document link below. In order to schedule new referrals in a timely manner, please make sure the patient referral packet is complete before sending. Please do not hesitate to call our clinic with any questions about our program.
RELATED LINKS . . .
ARORA (Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency) www.arora.org
UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) www.unos.org
SRTR (Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients) www.srtr.org
Transplant Living www.transplantliving.org
