Transplantation (Pediatric)

Transplants have been occurring at the University of Michigan Transplant Center since the first transplant in Michigan was performed here in 1964. We perform approximately 408 transplants for children and adults annually, making us the largest and most experienced transplant center in Michigan.

Pediatric transplants include:

Our Pediatric Heart Transplant Program provides coordinated and comprehensive evaluation, treatment and follow-up for pediatric heart transplant patients. Since 1984 when our program began, we have performed more than 200 pediatric heart transplants. We are accredited by the United Network for Organ Sharing, a nonprofit organization that coordinates U.S. transplant activities. We also provide care for patients with advanced heart failure who may not yet meet criteria for listing but may benefit from additional heart failure treatment.

The Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program has performed more than 500 kidney transplants since the program's beginning in 1964, and reports post-transplant graft and patient survival rates that rank among the world's best. It is the most experienced program within the state of Michigan, and has particular expertise in the transplantation of young infants and children. For many pediatric patients, optimal outcomes will be achieved by pre-emptive kidney transplant (transplant before going on dialysis). Children are cared for in a dedicated pediatric kidney transplant clinic designed to meet the special needs of children following kidney transplantation.

Our Pediatric Liver Transplant Program is the only liver transplant program in the state of Michigan. The program involves before, during and after care of children (infants to college age) who undergo a transplantation. Approximately 35 children are evaluated every year for transplantation and 12-16 children undergo transplantation.

The Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program is internationally known for its research into novel approaches to make transplantation safer and more effective. The program is accredited by the Foundation for Accreditation of Hematopoietic Cell Therapy and is also approved by the National Marrow Donor Program, the Southwest Oncology Group and the Children's Cancer Group.

Camp Michitanki (Michigan Transplant Kids) is a summer camp created by the Transplant Center to provide an exciting summer experience for children who have had an organ transplant. Campers participate in a variety of summer camp activities and have the opportunity to interact with other organ transplant recipients in a non-medical setting. Transplant nurses, physicians, social workers and other community volunteers provide a fun, medically supervised, camping experience.