Breakthrough in Medical Field: 2023 Witnesses Highest Number of Heart Transplants by UR Medicine
Strong Memorial Hospital, a part of the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), has made headlines for its impressive achievements in heart transplantation. In 2023, the hospital performed a record-breaking 40 heart transplants, making it one of the 37 busiest heart transplant centers in the country [3].
This high volume and seemingly good outcomes at Strong Memorial can be attributed to several factors. The hospital boasts a team of expert surgeons and medical professionals specializing in thoracic surgery and transplantation, including Dr. Katherine Wood, who has published on mechanical circulatory support after heart transplantation [3]. This expertise supports complex procedures and post-operative care.
Advanced preclinical and clinical research in transplantation at URMC also plays a significant role. The center conducts systematic reviews of heart transplant protocols and donor management strategies, as evidenced by graduate student research and publications [5].
Strong institutional infrastructure is another key factor. The hospital is equipped to handle complex surgeries like dual kidney-heart transplants, demonstrating capabilities beyond routine organ transplants [3].
While exact survival rates for heart transplants at Strong Memorial are not specified, it's worth noting that close matching of donor-recipient HLA complexes and improved screening techniques help reduce graft rejection and improve survival [1]. The hospital's adherence to advanced donor screening and transplant safety protocols likely contributes to its successful outcomes.
The URMC is the only center in Upstate New York for both heart and liver transplantation. Last year, a total of 212 organs were transplanted by the UR Medicine Solid Organ Transplant Program. The acquisition of the SherpaPak, a novel, mobile, cold-storage system, allows heart transport teams to travel further for donor hearts [6].
The heart program at URMC offers a Cardiac Critical Care Transport Team for patients being rushed from outlying areas to the Medical Center for specialty care. Denise Champagne, a local writer and Buffalo Bills fan, is one such patient who received a heart transplant at Strong Memorial Hospital in 2023 [4].
Dr. Katherine Wood and Dr. Igor Gosev performed a challenging heart transplant on Denise due to heavy scarring from previous surgeries. The 350th transplant in the program's 23-year history was also performed in 2023.
In 2023, the heart transplant team at URMC performed 10 new hearts in just 20 days, a record-breaking feat. The program has performed nearly 1,000 heart pumps and is a leader in the nation for the use of mechanical assist devices [2].
The heart transplant program's reputation has improved, on par with Duke, Columbia, and Cleveland Clinic, due to these successful outcomes. The Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network coordinates organ and tissue donation and works with 37 community hospitals in the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and Northern New York regions [7]. Anyone age 16 and older can enroll in the New York State Donate Life Registry.
Peter Knight, chief of Cardiac Surgery, praised the team for maintaining and improving patient outcomes during this dramatic volume growth [1]. Spencer Rosero, M.D., the interim chief of Cardiology at URMC, leads the team in their continued efforts to provide exceptional care and break more records.
Medical researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) focus on advanced preclinical and clinical research in transplantation, which includes systematic reviews of heart transplant protocols and donor management strategies. Their expertise in transplantation supports complex procedures and post-operative care, contributing significantly to the health and wellness of heart transplant patients. The program's strong scientific approach to medical-conditions like heart transplants is critical in improving survival rates and making the URMC one of the leading heart transplant centers in the country.
