#United States #New York #NYU Langone #Hassenfeld Hospital #Pediatric Transplant

NYU Langone Sets the Benchmark for Pediatric Transplant Programs

The NYU Langone Transplant Institute, in collaboration with Hassenfeld Children's Hospital, has been recognized for
the highest quality in pediatric kidney and liver transplant outcomes in New York, according to the most recent reports by the Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients (SRTR). These reports, which are compiled under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, highlight that both the speed of transplantation and the one-year organ survival rates have positioned Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at the forefront of pediatric transplant care in the state.

Dr. Adam Griesemer, the surgical director of pediatric transplant programs, emphasized the urgency in transplanting children. "Time matters when it comes to transplants, especially for children," he stated. Under his leadership, the program has not only accelerated the transplantation process but also ensured that the young patients thrive post-surgery. Their success is attributed to a dedicated team skilled in managing intricate medical situations, ranging from pediatric anesthesiologists to interventional radiologists.

The journey to excellence began in earnest when NYU Langone performed its first pediatric kidney transplant back in 1994. Since that pivotal moment, the institution has continuously enhanced and expanded its transplant services. The opening of Hassenfeld Children's Hospital in 2018 marked a significant leap in growth, paving the way for advanced programs including liver, heart, and lung transplants tailored for children.

Today, NYU Langone stands out as the only transplant center in the tristate area that employs specialists exclusively focused on pediatric transplant care across these four solid organs. This comprehensive approach has significantly improved the quality of care for young patients, offering them greater chances of living healthier and fuller lives.

Comprehensive Support for Families

A key element of Hassenfeld Children's Hospital's success lies in its multidisciplinary approach to transplant care, which emphasizes not only the medical aspects but also the holistic experience of families. Dr. Rebecca Pellett Madan, the medical director of the Pediatric Transplant Programs, underscored the importance of personalizing healthcare. Through the Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care, families receive extensive support services including social work, psychological support, and educational resources. Dr. Madan noted, "Our teams are supported by expert social workers, certified child life specialists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, all with transplant expertise. We offer comprehensive neuropsychology services for children needing assistance with academic placement and support. This holistic approach truly makes a difference."

Outstanding Adult Transplant Programs

The NYU Langone Transplant Institute isn't only remarkable for its pediatric programs; it also excels in its adult transplant services. As the largest transplant program in New York State, the institute performed an impressive 632 transplants in just 2024. Each program has achieved distinguished outcomes, including:

• - Kidney Transplant Program: For the second consecutive year, it has posted the top outcomes nationally for both deceased donor kidney transplants and one-year organ survival, with 339 kidneys transplanted in 2024.
• - Lung Transplant Program: Notably recognized for rapid transplant speeds, this program achieved the highest survival rates in the Northeast, transplanting 82 lungs last year.
• - Liver Transplant Program: It boasts the best outcomes in New York and ranks in the top five nationally, with 127 livers transplanted and outstanding one-year survival rates.
• - Heart Transplant Program: Ensuring the quickest transplant rates and the shortest hospital stays in the state, the heart program successfully transplanted 83 hearts, maintaining robust survival rates at both one and three years.

Dr. Robert Montgomery, the director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, reaffirmed their commitment to excellence: "Our patients need and deserve the very best. Their outcomes are our top priority, and these success rates are a testament to our commitment to them. NYU Langone's experts bring unmatched skill and compassion, enabling patients — from infants to adults — to receive lifesaving transplants and best-in-class care."

Through dedicated efforts and an unwavering commitment to improving outcomes, NYU Langone and Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital set a new standard in pediatric healthcare, ensuring that children suffering from severe kidney and liver conditions have access to the best transplant care available.