cardiac surgery Archive

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