Why choose us?
Our program was the first of its kind to perform a pediatric heart transplant in Illinois. Today, it is also the largest pediatric heart transplant program in the state.
We have first-year survival rates of more than 95 percent and impressive longer-term recovery, with most patients experiencing no limitations to normal childhood activity just one year after surgery.
Our multidisciplinary team of cardiologists and cardiovascular-thoracic surgeons offers highly specialized and innovative care for infants and children with a wide array of diagnoses, including complex congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies, genetic etiologies, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Skilled and experienced leadership
Combined, the program's physician leaders have more than 40 years of heart transplantation experience.
-
Carl L. Backer, MD, Surgical Director, has been involved in our heart
transplantation program since its inception. He was a key member of the team that performed the very first pediatric heart transplant here.
-
Elfriede Pahl, MD, Medical Director, has been medical director of the program for more than 15 years. She also helped establish the Pediatric Heart Transplant Study (PHTS), a consortium of 36 institutions dedicated to advances in treatment for children during listing for and following heart transplantation.
Innovative approaches and techniques
Children's Memorial has a long history of helping patients with complex and life-threatening conditions, and our physicians and surgeons are known for developing innovative treatment and surgical techniques. These include:
Support Services
Children's Memorial is committed to offering our transplant patients and families comprehensive care and offers a wide variety of support services, including: