Vanderbilt Transplant Center sets world record for heart transplants
Ten of the lifesaving procedures were performed on pediatric patients in 2024.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A world record was set in the City of Nashville in 2024 by the Vanderbilt Transplant Center.
During their banner year, the center set a world record by performing 174 adult and pediatric heart transplants.
“I have to say, even I was surprised at the final number of transplants,” said Ashish Shah, MD, professor and chair of Cardiac Surgery. “But this one year was really built on 10 years of hard work, innovation and our reputation to do difficult things.”
Kelly Schlendorf, MD, associate professor of Medicine and section head of Heart Failure and Transplantation, shared that in 2024, more than 500 patients were referred to the center for consideration from more than 15 states. Some of those included patients considered too high risk for transplant at other programs.
Vanderbilt transplanted 36% more hearts in 2024 than in 2023. Ten of the lifesaving procedures were performed on pediatric patients in 2024.
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