Heart Failure & Transplant Program
The Pediatric Heart Failure and Transplant Program provides advanced, compassionate care for children of all ages with heart failure. We’re committed to helping all our young patients achieve their best possible outcome and quality of life.
Our team brings together many types of experts who specialize in pediatric heart failure. These include pediatric cardiologists, heart surgeons, cardiac critical care doctors, cardiac nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, social workers, dietitians, child life specialists and palliative care doctors. The entire team works together to provide comprehensive treatment and support each step of the way.
We offer the full spectrum of therapies, from medications to help the heart work more effectively to major procedures such as heart transplantation. We also offer VADs (ventricular assist devices) through UCSF's Mechanical Circulatory Support Program. These devices do the job of a healthy heart, pumping blood through the body to sustain vital organs, whether a child is recovering from heart surgery, waiting for a transplant or needing long-term heart support. We use several types of VADs, including the Berlin Heart EXCOR, HeartWare and CentriMag/PediMag systems.
In addition, we have extensive experience in using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for children who need long-term heart-lung bypass support while in the hospital.
Our locations (4)
Highlights of our heart care
A whole-child approach
We believe in caring for the whole child. This means addressing all of your child's medical needs while also nurturing their emotional, developmental and social well-being.
Built for kids
We're part of a children's hospital, and pediatric heart care is our only focus – we don't treat adults. All our doctors and nurses are specially trained in caring for babies and children, and our facilities and equipment were designed with their needs in mind.
Extra support for patients
Child life specialists are experts in helping kids cope with medical procedures and hospitalization. Using play, education and therapeutic techniques tailored to the child's age and needs, they make the health care experience more positive for the whole family.
Extra support for families
Our Family Resource Center provides information, amenities and comfort to parents and other caregivers, making it easier for you to remain with your child during a hospitalization.
Our team
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Othman A. Aljohani
MD, MPH
Pediatric cardiologist -
Mark W. Cocalis
MD
Pediatric cardiologist -
Peter C. Kouretas
MD, PhD
Pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon -
Amy McCammond
MD
Pediatric cardiologist and critical care specialist -
Anya Dubin
LCSW, MSW
Social worker -
Megan Keating
PNP, MSN
Pediatric nurse practitioner
Awards & recognition
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Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
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Best in Northern California for cardiology & heart surgery
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your child's condition
- List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
Our research initiatives
Related clinics (8)
20
Cardiology Clinic
14
Fetal Cardiovascular Program
2
Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Support services
Feeling at home
From bedside bingo to therapy dogs, we're here to help kids smile and feel more like themselves.
Visit Child Life services