Ziv Beckerman Archive — Page 1 of 1

Heart transplant patient Aleah (Sissy) Keasling.
October 7, 2026

First-of-its-kind heart transplant gives Sissy a second chance

The novel technique could help increase the number of donor hearts available to children awaiting transplant and reduce the time they spend waiting.

By Christina Echegaray
Vanderbilt Health performed a record number of solid organ transplants in fiscal year 2026 — 981 lifesaving procedures among its adult and pediatric programs. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
October 7, 2026

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt leads breakthrough heart recovery method for pediatric transplants

Surgeons used the novel technique known as REUP (rapid recovery with extended ultraoxygenated preservation). Since then, five more children were saved successfully.

By Christina Echegaray