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Celebrating Four Decades of Heart Transplants at Texas Children's Hospital

Texas Children's Hospital is rejoicing as it marks the significant milestone of its heart transplant program's 40th anniversary. Established in 1984, this initiative has become one of the largest pediatric heart transplant programs in the country, completing nearly 600 heart transplants since its inception. This achievement is a testament to the hospital's unwavering commitment to providing exceptional pediatric care.

Dr. William J. Dreyer, Medical Director of Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathy, and Cardiac Transplantation at Texas Children's, conveyed his pride in the program, stating, "Our venture into heart transplants has advanced tremendously over the last four decades. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team members whose hard work and expertise have been pivotal in reaching this point. The success of our program can be attributed to the collaborative efforts across the Heart Center and Transplant Center which emphasize pioneering research and holistic care."

Renowned for its excellence, Texas Children’s Heart Center has been ranked the top pediatric heart care facility in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for an impressive eight consecutive years. This distinction highlights the multidisciplinary team's efforts, which includes specialists across more than 40 fields, catering to a diverse age group from newborns to adults.

The stories of the patients encapsulate the life-saving nature of the program. One recent case is that of Laken, a 15-month-old boy diagnosed prenatally with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Initially given little hope for survival, Laken’s family sought a second opinion at Texas Children’s. After thorough evaluations by the specialized team, he was placed on the transplant list and ultimately received a new heart. Laken's mother, Whitney, expressed immense gratitude, stating, "Texas Children’s not only saved his life but also truly cared for him as an individual. They consistently prioritized his well-being."

Over the past ten years, Texas Children's Hospital has achieved a remarkable total of 935 pediatric organ transplants, surpassing other pediatric hospitals in the country. In 2023, the transplant services team executed 99 organ transplants, leading by 14 complex surgeries compared to other facilities, as noted by the Organ Procurement Transplantation Network (OPTN). Furthermore, the hospital celebrated its triumph of completing its 550th heart transplant that same year.

Dr. Jeffrey Heinle, Chief of Congenital Heart Surgery at the hospital, highlighted the significance of the heart transplant program, noting, "This is a shining example of the groundbreaking work we have undertaken in pediatric cardiovascular surgery over the past four decades. We remain steadfast in our commitment to offer hope to patients confronting exceptionally complex heart conditions."

The Texas Children's Heart Transplant Program comprises a dedicated team of pediatric cardiologists, heart surgeons, transplant immunologists, and a range of support specialists. Being the largest pediatric heart transplant program in the United States, they grant children from around the world access to advanced technologies and treatment options. For those in need of mechanical circulatory support while awaiting transplantation, the hospital provides numerous options, including ventricular assist devices (VAD) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Dr. Iki Adachi, the Surgical Director of Heart Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support, reiterated the uniqueness of their program, proclaiming, "Our heart transplant initiative stands out due to our vast clinical expertise and the breadth of experience we have. As we celebrate 40 years of saving lives, we continue to strive towards leading in research and delivering top-notch specialized care to our patients."

Texas Children’s Hospital: Committed to Building Healthier Futures

Texas Children's Hospital operates as a nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate a healthier future for children globally, emphasizing patient care, education, and research. Consistently recognized as the leading children's hospital in Texas and ranked among the best in the nation, Texas Children's is celebrated for its expertise in pediatric and women's health. The institution consists of various facilities, including specialized centers for pediatric research and high-risk births, and it maintains a robust primary care network aimed at children and families. Together with Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of pediatric medical care.