Cohen Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) performed its first pediatric heart transplant on March 28, just weeks after receiving approval from the state. The procedure was the first of its kind performed on Long Island.
The procedure was performed on a child from Queens who came to the hospital in March with acute heart failure. He was stabilized with the emergency use of a heart-lung bypass machine, and after a thorough evaluation, the Pediatric Heart Transplant Team determined he needed a new heart to survive. “This operation was the culmination of years of hard, dedicated, work,” said Charles Schleien, MD, senior vice president and chair of pediatric services at CCMC. “I am continually astounded by the miracles the physicians at Cohen Children’s Medical Center perform every day. Our amazing team of heart transplant specialists has given this patient a new lease on life, and he is just the first of many more to come.” The transplant was performed by Timothy Martens, MD, PhD, surgical director of pediatric heart transplant, and took seven hours.
“Pediatric organ transplants are some of the most difficult, and most rewarding, things we do,” said Dr. Martens. “Being able to give children a new lease on life is a gift. The complexity of these procedures is matched by the profound impact they have – not just on the young patients, but on their families and the wider community. It’s about renewing hope, restoring normalcy, and watching these children grow up to lead full, vibrant lives”
Coordinating a heart transplant is a massive undertaking. After a donor is identified, the organ must be packed for transport and flown to Cohen Children’s Medical Center. During that time, doctors begin the operation on the patient. Timing is crucial – the donor organ cannot wait very long, so the patient has to be undergoing surgery to have their heart removed while the organ is in transit.
“Our team has worked hard to be fully prepared to provide this care to children in need and appreciate the state’s recognition of this preparation,” said Jake Kleinmahon, MD, medical director of the Pediatric Heart Failure and Heart Transplant program. “Timing is everything when it comes to Heart Transplantation and saving the lives of these critically ill children. We’re committed to providing the highest quality care for children with complex heart conditions on Long Island and New York.” Cohen Children’s Medical Center is the first pediatric heart transplant program available on Long Island. According to data from the United Network of Organ Sharing, 55% of all pediatric heart transplants that happen in New York state are within CCMC’s service area.
The pediatric heart transplant procedures are performed at Cohen Children’s state-of-the-art Damaghi Family Pediatric Surgical Operating Complex. Located within the Blumenfeld Family Pavilion, the 24,000-square-foot, $110 million complex opened in 2022. It features eight child-friendly operating suites with hidden instruments and large photo walls. Patients can listen to their own music and watch videos before surgery, or visit one of several play spaces to make them feel more at ease.
