Transplant Center

Vanderbilt is one of the largest, most experienced transplant centers in the Southeast in terms of the number of transplants we perform. Our new record in 2024 was 875 adult and pediatric organ transplants. We are the nation’s third busiest transplant center by volume. Also in 2024, Vanderbilt set a world record by performing 174 adult and pediatric heart transplants. The number of patients whose lives were saved by our heart transplant team far surpasses any previous total by an individual transplant center.

Our outcomes rank among the best in the country. This means our patients often recover faster than the national average, with fewer complications.

Many medical centers only perform single organ transplants. But our team has the training and resources to perform dual-organ transplants for adults and children facing the failure of more than one organ. That means you receive both organs during the same surgery.

Our researchers not only use the latest research in transplant care, but also pioneer some of the latest innovations. Vanderbilt is one of the leading medical centers using organs from donors with hepatitis C, successfully treating that condition and resulting in shorter waiting times for patients. Vanderbilt researchers also launched the PREDICT program. It uses genetic testing to predict which transplant patients are likely to develop serious side effects from a common anti-rejection drug.

We use the most advanced technology as part of our care. We’re the only medical center in Tennessee to study the use of a technique called ex-vivo perfusion when transporting livers, hearts and lungs for transplantation. It helps preserve the quality of the organs before they are transplanted into a waiting patient. Vanderbilt was also the first medical center in the state to successfully transplant a total artificial heart.

We are one of only a few transplant programs designated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide organ transplant services to our nation’s veterans.

Our smallest patients have a dedicated team of specialists who are as knowledgeable as they are comforting. We provide pediatric heart, kidney and liver transplants through Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Our transplant pharmacists offer the highest level of care and expertise for transplant patients. Each transplant pharmacist works directly with doctors and staff to monitor patients' care plans.