Piedmont Heart Institute breaks record for LVAD implants
Atlanta, Ga. (February 17, 2026) – Piedmont Heart Institute surgeons broke the organizational record for implants of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in a calendar year by nearly 64%, with 149 of the mechanical heart pumps implanted in 2025 compared to 91 in 2024.
Piedmont Heart has one of the largest LVAD programs by volume in the country. The heart transplant program at Piedmont is also among the top 5 programs nationwide by volume, with 103 people receiving new hearts at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital in 2025.
“By adding to our team of cardiothoracic surgeons, focusing on equitable access, and maintaining our responsibly assertive approach to organ acceptance, Piedmont Heart has become a national leader in heart replacement therapy,” said Ezequiel J. Molina, M.D., FACS, FACC, Director of Advanced Heart Failure, LVAD and Heart Transplantation, Samsky Advanced Heart Failure Center, Piedmont Heart Institute. “The tremendous growth in both the LVAD and heart transplant programs over the last couple of years is a reflection of our patient-centered approach to care at Piedmont.”
Over 6 million adults in the United States are living with heart failure, a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Ventricular assist devices and heart transplantation are two treatment options for advanced heart failure.
Piedmont Heart Institute at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital was named best in Georgia for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery in 2025-2026 rankings by U.S. News and World Report.
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