The Vanderbilt Transplant Center set a world record in 2024, performing 174 adult and pediatric heart transplants—36% more than in 2023. The 174 lives saved by Vanderbilt’s heart transplant team far surpasses any previous total by a transplant center. In 2024, more than 500 patients were referred to Vanderbilt for transplant consideration from more than 15 states, including many patients considered too high risk for transplant at other programs.
The Adult Heart Transplant Program performed its first adult heart transplant in 1985. The program recently celebrated its 2,000th patient: Wes Carter, a real estate agent from Pensacola, Florida.
"It's not about the number but about what that number represents: teamwork, innovation and the humbling but incredibly rewarding opportunity to shepherd so many patients on their life-changing journeys," said Kelly Schlendorf, MD, MHS, medical director of the program.
Read more about the record-breaking year in this article from VUMC News.
Did You Know?
One organ donor can save eight lives and help 75 others. Learn more and register online to become an organ donor.
