Penn Transplant Institute
Unmatched expertise at the region's largest transplant center
With active programs in heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, islet, uterus, and hand transplantation, along with partner programs at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the Penn Transplant Institute has performed over 15,000 solid organ transplant procedures, making it the largest transplant center in the region. The decision to receive or donate a transplanted organ is a life-changing one. Our team at the Penn Transplant Institute honors your decision by providing exceptional care throughout the transplant process. With more than six decades of transplant experience, we offer unmatched expertise and a history of successful results. Our outcomes consistently meet or exceed the national average in all organ transplants.
We perform all transplants at the Penn Transplant Institute in Philadelphia. Residents of the Princeton and Lancaster areas can get pre-transplant evaluations, testing, and follow-up care close to home at Penn Medicine Princeton Health and Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. Our team of counselors, nurses, physicians, and surgeons is here to support you through the journey of donating or receiving a new organ.
Our transplant specialties
Leaders in living organ donation
Our Center for Living Organ Donation performs more living organ donor transplants than any other center in the region. Living organ donation is a profound gift that saves lives and leads to better outcomes for recipients.
Clyde F. Barker Penn Transplant House
The Penn Transplant House offers a home away from home for transplant patients and families. Enjoy comfort, community, and support with affordable guest house lodging near the hospital for during your stay.
Penn Medicine’s legacy of firsts in transplantation
The Penn Transplant Institute is a national leader in the field of organ transplantation and a signature program at Penn Medicine. Since developing one of the nation’s first kidney transplant programs in 1966, the Penn Transplant Institute remains at the forefront of the discipline, providing the latest technology and discoveries in transplantation.
- 1966: First kidney transplant
- 1986: First liver transplant
- 1986: First pancreas transplant
- 1987: First heart transplant
- 1991: First lung transplant
- 2001: First islet transplant
- 2011: First bilateral hand transplant
- 2018: First uterine transplant
Our doctors
Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.
Locations
Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.
Related articles
New CAR T treatment opens doors for kidney patients
An early trial demonstrates CAR T cells can safely desensitize even the most challenging transplant candidates.
Bilateral hand transplant at Penn Medicine gives man new hands
Bilateral hand transplant at Penn Medicine gives Swiss man new hands 16 years after childhood amputations.
Post-kidney transplant cancer risk linked to Epstein-Barr virus
Kidney transplant patients who have not had Epstein-Barr virus may be at risk of a life-threatening immune disorder if their new organ is infected.
Patient stories
Back on her feet and breathing
The Penn Lung Rescue team kept Bri Iacona alive for four months with the most advanced form of life support before she could have a double lung transplant.
Joanie's experience as a living kidney donor
“I can honestly say that I never felt scared. The doctors and staff at Penn make you feel comfortable and educated about your decision. I would do it again (if I could) and I would have done it sooner.”
Two Air Force veterans forever united by a kidney donation
“We selflessly donate a lot of our adult life to serve our country,” said Craig Harris. And for somebody to come up and selflessly give you a body organ? I’m speechless.”
New lungs, a new liver, and a new lease on life
“There are no words to describe how incredible it is to breathe deeply without pain.”
With the gift of hands comes feeling like ‘a whole human’
Getting Luka Krizanac new hands took 16 years, a connection between a surgeon and his mentor, and surgeries on two continents.
A miracle recovery to see his kids graduate
After falling severely ill with COVID-19 in the fall of 2020, Fred Rahmanian became the first COVID-19 lung transplant patient in Pennsylvania. “This whole thing has been a miracle. Everyone knew I was at the end of the line. There was no expectation that I would live until Penn stepped in.”
A kidney for her mom, a marathon for herself
Jen Brady donated a kidney to her mother, before training for the Boston Marathon—embodying the well-being and caregiving support she champions.
A home away from home for transplant patients and families
The Clyde F. Barker Penn Transplant House offers a comforting and affordable refuge for transplant patients and families—with community and hope.
A lifelong doctor-patient bond saves Bill Curtis' heart
An active small business owner’s failing heart set off a seamless chain of care—from Doylestown to Philadelphia experts—that ultimately saved his life.