Oregon Health & Science University has performed its first heart transplant since four cardiologists abruptly left in 2018.
A 68-year-old Oregonian is now recovering after receiving a heart two weeks ago.
"I can't believe how beautifully my new heart is working and how far I've come," said the recipient who declined to share his name.
OHSU's heart program stopped after staff complained of burnout, personality clashes and an overall lack of support. It reopened last summer after the hospital researched what happened and recruited new cardiologists from around the country.
Since reactivating, the program has implanted three heart pumps, but this is the first complete heart transplant it has performed.
OHSU President Danny Jacobs called it an encouraging bright spot during the immense challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are excited to continue serving our state, region and nation with comprehensive, leading-edge cardiovascular expertise," said Jacobs.
"OHSU's heart transplant program provides a critically important service for many Oregonians."
The hospital said the transplant was done within federal pandemic guidelines.
"This transplant confirms our dedication to providing quality cardiovascular services for Oregon's sickest heart patients," said Dr. Johannes Steiner, assistant professor of medicine at OHSU.
After OHSU shuttered its program, Providence Health System in Portland announced it would begin a heart transplant program. That opening was scheduled for this month but has been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
