Transplant Center

Our goal is to provide the most normal life possible for young patients. Since our program began, we have been pioneers in several areas of pediatric transplantation. Due to our world-class physicians and a multidisciplinary approach, we are capable of performing transplants in a number of specialty focused areas, such as:

• Cleveland Clinic has been recognized as a pioneer in the field of transplantation since performing the first kidney transplant in Ohio in 1963.
• We are committed to expanding staff, resources and technical support to stay in the forefront of transplant technology.
• We use a surgical-medical team approach, by which all staff transplant physicians are board-certified in a related medical specialty, and all transplant surgeons are board-certified in a related surgical specialty or have the international equivalent of board certification.
• Child and adolescent patients are evaluated, supported, and treated by a world-class team of pediatric specialists, internationally renowned disease specialists, transplant surgeons, parenteral nutrition experts, pharmacists and social workers.
• Pediatric and adolescent patients receiving transplants are admitted to our Cleveland Clinic’s Children Hospital, which provides state-of-the-art care in a home-like setting where parents can stay right along with their children.

Pediatric Intestinal Transplant Program

Only a few transplant centers in the world offer intestinal transplantation as a treatment option for intestinal failure and complications related to parenteral nutrition (PN).

The Cleveland Clinic Pediatric Intestinal Rehabilitation Program and Nutrition Support Team provides children and adolescent patients with a unique opportunity to be evaluated, supported, and treated by a world-class team of pediatric gastroenterologists, parenteral nutrition experts and transplant surgeons.

Our program encompasses isolated bowel transplants, combined liver and small intestine transplants, as well as multivisceral transplantation, which usually includes stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum (colon may also be included), and pancreas.

Bone and Soft Tissue Transplants

The Tissue Transplant Program includes Cardiology/Cardiothoracic Surgery, Bone Transplant (which includes Orthopaedics, Pediatric Orthopaedics, Spine and Neurology), Urology, Colorectal Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Dentistry, Plastic Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Andrology and In Vitro Fertilization, General Surgery and Dermatology.

Bone Marrow Transplants

There are different types of bone marrow transplants, and the disease type and severity determine what type of bone marrow transplant is required. Most pediatric patients who require a bone marrow transplant have cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma.

Corneal Transplants

Corneal transplants are typically conducted because a particular medical condition, injury, or disease has made the central part of the front of the eye through which you see cloudy. Sometimes the solution only requires removing some of the cornea and replacing it with corneal tissue from an organ donor.

Heart Transplants

Cleveland Clinic Children's includes a team of internationally renowned pediatric congenital heart disease specialists and surgeons. The center's heart failure/transplantation team assesses and treats children with heart failure.

Alternatives to pediatric heart transplants, such as a mechanical heart, may offer lifesaving treatment or act as a bridge to heart transplantation.

Cleveland Clinic Children's Pediatric Heart Transplant Program has performed more than 110 heart transplants and is a leader in pediatric heart transplantation, with outcomes exceeding the national average.

Liver Transplants

Some of the first recipients of liver transplants were children. Although years ago, long-term post-transplant survival was poor, advances in surgical techniques and anti-rejection medicines have greatly increased the chances of a successful outcome for this treatment option in children. We perform transplantation in both living related donors and shared liver surgeries.

Lung Transplants

The Cleveland Clinic lung transplant program is an essential component of a broad medical and surgical strategy to manage all patients with pulmonary disease. In the last five years, Cleveland Clinic has proven to be a national leader in lung transplant, both in terms of patient volumes and successful outcomes. The transplant program has established a reputation for accepting and transplanting challenging, complex patient cases, which has led to our high referral rate.

Kidney Transplants

Urologists who specialize in all diseases of the kidney work with our kidney transplant service, pediatric specialists, nurses and social workers to provide the highest quality medical care and emotional support.

Liver Transplantation

Pediatric Intestinal Transplant Team

The Intestinal Transplant Team at Cleveland Clinic is comprised of surgeons, physicians, coordinators, nurses, social workers and a vast network of people and resources to make the intestinal transplant process as smooth as possible.

Intestinal Transplant Center Leadership

Intestinal Transplant Surgeons

Intestinal Transplant Physicians:

Additional Assistance

Information & Appointments

Learn more about pediatric transplant or schedule a consultation.

Transplant Coordinator

Christine Shay-Downer, RN, BSN, CCTC

A variety of websites and articles offer additional information on the subject of transplantation and on procedures and organ donation.

General Links for Transplantation

General Links for Kidney Transplantation

General Links for Liver Transplantation

General Links for Heart Transplantation