cardiac surgery

February 2, 2024

Novel device helps extend window of time to preserve hearts donated after cardiac death

In the first such procedure, Vanderbilt University Medical Center has transplanted a DCD (donation after cardiac death) heart using XVIVO Heart Assist Transport (XHAT), a novel cold organ perfusion device.

By Matt Batcheldor
Transplant patient Connie Rankin was cleared to return home to Memphis just in time for the holidays. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
December 14, 2023

VUMC performs its first combined lung and liver transplant

Connie Rankin of Memphis, Tennessee, received Vanderbilt’s first combined lung and liver transplant, which involved dozens of specialists, including transplant teams for both organs.

By Matt Batcheldor
October 5, 2023

Study finds no difference in heart transplant outcomes using organs donated after circulatory death and after brain death

A Vanderbilt study found no difference in one-year survival and other outcomes among heart transplant patients who received their new organs from from donation after circulatory death and donation after brain death.

By Matt Batcheldor
Nicole Hunter was the first patient to receive the novel transplant. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
September 27, 2023

VUMC performs novel reoperative lung and kidney transplant

Vanderbilt University Medical Center has performed its first combined reoperative lung and kidney transplant.

By Matt Batcheldor
VUMC’s ECMO program has expanded to areas outside of the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit.
July 27, 2023

Extracorporeal life support program receives ELSO excellence award

Vanderbilt’s extracorporeal life support program has received the platinum level award for excellence in life support from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO), the organization’s highest honor.

By Matt Batcheldor
The multidisciplinary team conducted the bedside surgery simulation in the Center for Experiential Learning and Assessment.
June 15, 2023

Team refines protocol for emergency surgical event

A multidisciplinary team at Vanderbilt recently collaborated on a live simulation to develop a new protocol for a rare but high-stakes cardiothoracic event — when a team has to perform a re-sternotomy at a patient’s bedside as a lifesaving measure.

By Matt Batcheldor
March 16, 2023

Multispecialty expertise key to heart patient’s recovery

Vanderbilt's multispecialty expertise helped a seemingly healthy 54-year-old man who needed major heart procedures get back to the gym and live a healthy life.
By Matt Batcheldor
February 24, 2022

Heart/liver transplant gives congenital heart disease patient new hope

Last year, Liz Barnett became one of seven people at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to receive a combined heart/liver transplant in 2021.
By Matt Batcheldor
November 2, 2021

VUMC debuts two new state-of-the-art hybrid operating rooms

Vanderbilt is opening two of the newest generation of hybrid operating rooms, which each combine a traditional operating room with the latest advanced imaging equipment.
By Matt Batcheldor
September 2, 2021

Novel LVAD allows patient to see family, celebrate milestones

Brandon Cochran, a 39-year-old real estate agent in Louisville, Kentucky, was at home with his family in October 2020 when he went into cardiac arrest. His implanted defibrillator shocked him back to life, and he was hospitalized for seven months.
By Matt Batcheldor
June 21, 2021

Dexmedetomidine and delirium

The sedative dexmedetomidine, when administered during or after heart surgery, is associated with postoperative delirium and adverse outcomes.
By Paul Govern
April 1, 2021

Dixie Place renamed in honor of Vanderbilt surgical pioneer Vivien Thomas

Through a Vanderbilt University School of Medicine student-led effort, Dixie Place, the city street that runs between the Medical Center’s Central Garage and the Oxford House building on 21st Avenue South, is being renamed Vivien Thomas Way.
By Kathy Whitney
January 21, 2021

Congenital Heart Program gains accreditation from ACHA

The Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) has awarded the Vanderbilt Adult Congenital Heart Program status as an Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Accredited Comprehensive Care Center — the first in Tennessee.
By Matt Batcheldor
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