New Hyde Park, N.Y. – Cohen Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) has successfully performed its first pediatric heart transplant, marking a significant milestone in medical care on Long Island. The groundbreaking procedure took place on March 28, just weeks after the hospital received state approval to conduct pediatric heart transplants.
The recipient was a child from Queens who had arrived at CCMC suffering from acute heart failure. Doctors stabilized the young patient using an emergency heart-lung bypass machine before determining that a transplant was necessary for survival. Following an evaluation by the Pediatric Heart Transplant Team, the child was placed on the transplant list and ultimately received a donor heart.
“This operation was the culmination of years of hard, dedicated work,” said Dr. Charles Schleien, senior vice president and chair of pediatric services at CCMC. “I am continually astounded by the miracles our physicians perform every day. Our incredible team of heart transplant specialists has given this child a new lease on life, and this is just the beginning.”
Dr. Timothy Martens, surgical director of pediatric heart transplant at CCMC, led the seven-hour surgery. Reflecting on the procedure, he highlighted the challenges and rewards of pediatric transplants. “Pediatric organ transplants are among the most complex and fulfilling procedures we perform,” he said. “The impact extends beyond the child to their families and the entire community. It’s about restoring hope and giving these children the chance to grow up and lead full, vibrant lives.”
The success of a heart transplant requires careful coordination. Once a donor heart is identified, it must be quickly transported to the hospital while the recipient undergoes surgery in preparation for the transplant. This critical timing ensures the donor organ remains viable for transplantation.
Dr. Jake Kleinmahon, medical director of the Pediatric Heart Failure and Heart Transplant program, emphasized the importance of precision in the process. “Timing is everything when it comes to heart transplantation and saving the lives of critically ill children,” he said. “We are committed to providing the highest quality care for children with complex heart conditions on Long Island and across New York.”
CCMC now stands as the only pediatric heart transplant program on Long Island. According to data from the United Network of Organ Sharing, 55% of all pediatric heart transplants in New York State take place within CCMC’s service area. The procedures are conducted in the hospital’s state-of-the-art Damaghi Family Pediatric Surgical Operating Complex, a 24,000-square-foot facility featuring eight child-friendly operating suites designed to ease young patients’ anxiety.
With this historic achievement, CCMC has positioned itself as a leader in pediatric heart care, offering a new lifeline to children in need of life-saving transplants.
