Expert Organ Transplant Care in Wisconsin
Find a surgeonAwaiting a transplant and dealing with serious health issues can be difficult for you and your loved ones. We understand. That’s why our care begins before your transplant.
We’re here to support you every step of the way as you prepare for your transplant, during your surgery and recovery, and beyond – for the life you love living.
Leading the nation in heart transplants
At Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center Transplant Services, we’ve been helping people who need organ transplants regain their health since 1968. Our transplant center in Wisconsin has a national reputation for excellence in heart failure therapies. And our overall experience and expertise draw people to us from all over the region.
Meet organ transplant patients
Organ transplant services
At Aurora’s organ transplant center, we offer life-saving transplants for:
How does an organ transplant work?
Organ transplantation is the process of replacing a failing or damaged organ with a healthy one from a deceased donor or a living donor allograft. It involves transplant procedures performed by experts in transplant medicine.
Our transplant hospital and clinical teams help you prepare for surgery, match you with the best possible donor and guide you through recovery.
Organ matching and selection process
We work with national and local transplant waitlists and matching systems to find the best organ match for you. Our team guides you through every step, from evaluation to your life-saving transplant, with ongoing support so you can focus on recovery.
Are most organ transplants successful?
Yes, most organ transplants are successful, giving you a new chance to live a healthier life. Success depends on the type of transplant procedure, your overall health and how closely the donor organ matches your needs.
How long do transplanted organs last?
How long a transplanted organ lasts depends on the type of organ, your general health and how well you follow your care plan.
On average, kidney transplants can last 10-15 years, liver transplants often last over 10 years, and heart and lung transplants typically last 5-10 years.
Some organs can last much longer with good care. Regular follow-up with your transplant team and taking your medications as prescribed can help extend the life of transplanted organs.
Organ transplant surgery techniques and technology
Aurora’s transplant center in Wisconsin leads the nation in innovation. For kidney and liver transplants, we use the en bloc technique, which shortens surgery and recovery times, making your procedure less invasive.
We’ve performed over 1,000 heart transplants and have implanted more than 900 ventricular-assist devices (VAD) for patients waiting for a heart transplant. A VAD is sometimes used as a temporary solution while a person waits for a heart transplant. For people who prefer not to have a heart transplant or who aren’t eligible for a transplant, a VAD may be a long-term solution.
What is an allograft?
You may hear your transplant surgeon use the term allograft when discussing your transplant surgery. An allograft is an organ, tissue or bone marrow transplant from one person to another. Allografts play a vital role in organ transplantation by using organs or tissues donated by living or deceased donors.
Get a second opinion
Knowing all your options can make life's toughest decisions a little easier. Our team at your local transplant clinic can provide a second opinion, so you feel confident in your care decisions.
Become a donor
Register to donate be an organ, tissue, and eye donor in Wisconsin.
Get care
We help you live well. And we’re here for you in person and online.