Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health has made history by launching Oklahoma’s first pediatric heart transplant program. The hospital recently added its first young patient to the national waiting list for a heart transplant, making life-saving treatments accessible to families in Oklahoma without the need to travel far from home. This significant development comes after a decade-long effort led by Dr. Harold Burkhart, a renowned pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon at OU Health, who envisioned comprehensive cardiac care under one roof. The establishment of the program highlights the hospital’s commitment to enhancing pediatric healthcare infrastructure and has positioned it as a leader in pediatric cardiac care.
Staffed by experienced pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, and advanced practice providers, the pediatric heart transplant program at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital utilizes cutting-edge treatment protocols, techniques, and clinical trials. This holistic approach has not only earned the hospital a place in the U.S. News & World Report’s Top 50 Best Children’s Hospitals for Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery but has also led to the opening of the state’s only pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU). The unit is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to children with heart conditions, including those waiting for or recovering from transplant surgery. With an expected eight to ten heart transplants annually, the program is set to significantly impact the lives of many and offer hope for a brighter future for children with life-threatening heart conditions in Oklahoma.
