Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville, Tenn., will end its heart transplant services on Jan. 14, according to a Tennessean report.
Heart transplant volume at Saint Thomas has fallen in recent years but is on the rise at its crosstown competitor, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Vanderbilt will now be the only hospital in Middle Tennessee offering heart transplants.
Saint Thomas will instead focus on ventricular assist device destination therapy — an alternative to implants that still requires open heart surgery. VADs help the heart pump with battery power.
There are 15 patients on the heart transplant waiting list at Saint Thomas. The hospital will help transition them to another transplant program of their choice, according to the report.
Maryland Cardiologist Faces 22 More Lawsuits For Alleged Over-Stenting
Former Cardiology Chief at Tennessee Hospital Pleads Not Guilty to Fraud Charges
Heart transplant volume at Saint Thomas has fallen in recent years but is on the rise at its crosstown competitor, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Vanderbilt will now be the only hospital in Middle Tennessee offering heart transplants.
Saint Thomas will instead focus on ventricular assist device destination therapy — an alternative to implants that still requires open heart surgery. VADs help the heart pump with battery power.
There are 15 patients on the heart transplant waiting list at Saint Thomas. The hospital will help transition them to another transplant program of their choice, according to the report.
Related Articles on Hospital Cardiology Departments:
Most Cardiologists Say Hospitals Without Surgery Can Offer AngioplastyMaryland Cardiologist Faces 22 More Lawsuits For Alleged Over-Stenting
Former Cardiology Chief at Tennessee Hospital Pleads Not Guilty to Fraud Charges