Pediatric Heart Transplant
Vanderbilt Health is one of the top heart transplant programs in the world, providing patients with outstanding outcomes and access to innovative new research and treatments. Our pediatric heart transplant program is part of our cardiac surgery program and Vanderbilt Transplant Center, which offer medical and surgical treatments for children with all types of congenital heart defects and acquired heart diseases.
As a leader in adult and pediatric transplantation, we provide world-class expertise and a seamless transition as your child reaches adulthood. We’re at the forefront of pediatric research and education, giving your child access to treatments and trials that might not be available at other medical centers.
By pioneering new approaches like single ventricle mechanical circulatory support, we serve more patients, including those at high risk who may not be candidates for transplantation at other medical centers.
Your guide to pediatric surgery locations at Vanderbilt
Learn what you need to know to prepare for a visit to one of our ...
Conditions We Treat
- Graft failure (retransplant)
- Valvular heart disease
Meet Your Care Team
We are here to support your child through every step of their transplant journey. This includes a comprehensive team of physicians, advanced practice nurses, pharmacists, transplant coordinators, transplant psychologist, financial counselors, child life specialists, social workers and nutrition experts.
David W. BearlMD, MA
- Cardio-Oncology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Mechanical Circulatory Support, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease, Pediatric Heart
David P. BichellMD
- Adult Congenital Heart and Valve Disease, Cardiac Surgery, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Pediatric Heart Transplant, Pediatric Surgery
Garrett N. CoyanMD
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Complex Single Ventricle Conditions, Congenital Neonatal, Infant and Pediatric Heart Conditions, Heart Valve Diseases, Mechanical Support (VAD) and ECMO, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Pediatric Heart
Micaela C. ArseneauDNP, APRN, CPNP
- Mechanical Support (VAD) and ECMO, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Heart, Pediatric Heart Transplant
Catherine R. HayesMSN, APRN, CPNP
- Mechanical Support (VAD) and ECMO, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Heart, Pediatric Heart Transplant
Why Choose the Heart Transplant Program at Monroe Carell
- Pediatric heart excellence
The Pediatric Heart Institute at Monroe Carell is recognized as one of the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. Our high-quality care and specialized disease management earned accreditation by the Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation (CCF). The American Society of Extracorporeal Technology (AmSECT) has recognized Monroe Carell as a Perfusion Center of Excellence with the 2022 Pillar Award. We are one of only seven children's hospitals in the nation to earn this honor. Our program is also recognized as an Aetna Pediatric Heart Disease Center of Excellence.
- Coordinated care
We work as a team to ensure your child receives the most comprehensive heart care available. From general and fetal cardiologists to cardiac surgeons and critical care specialists, Monroe Carell is here to help your child in their health care journey. As part of a comprehensive academic medical center with one of the top heart programs in the world, we also provide seamless transition of care from childhood into adulthood.
- Experienced care
Monroe Carell is a part of Vanderbilt Health, one of the top heart transplant programs in the world. We provide patients with outstanding outcomes and access to innovative new research and treatments.
- Proven outcomes
Our cardiac surgeons perform more than 500 operations annually, making ours one of the ten busiest congenital heart surgery programs in the nation, according to STS.
- ECMO experience
The ECMO Program at Monroe Carell, the only one of its kind in Middle Tennessee, has been in existence since 1989. Our team has a combined clinical experience of more than 300 years. It includes registered nurses and registered respiratory therapists who serve as ECMO specialists. They are ready without delay to provide services 24 hours per day, every day of the year. Each shift is staffed with at least three ECMO Specialists. Monroe Carell also has Tennessee’s first ECMO-capable pediatric transport service.
- Better recoveries
The noninvasive tests we use, such as echocardiograms and cardiac MRI, are better at pinpointing heart problems. They hurt less, have less health consequences and reduce your and your child's stress. We don't routinely use steroids to maintain immune system suppression. Instead, we use newer medications that cause fewer side effects and help children recover faster and stay healthy longer.
- Follow-up care
Children who receive a transplant at Monroe Carell receive follow-up care throughout their lives. Studies show that patients have fewer complications and better outcomes when families work closely with a post-transplant medical team.
