The milestone patient was a 4-year-old child diagnosed with congenital atresia of the left main coronary artery and severe aortic valve stenosis. Following a cardiac arrest during diagnostic evaluation, she required prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and later transitioned to a Berlin Heart ventricular assist device while awaiting transplantation. She was listed for transplant on June 15 and successfully underwent heart transplantation on July 22. 

This case highlights the Heart Transplant Program's expertise in managing critically ill children through the full spectrum of advanced heart failure therapies, including mechanical circulatory support and transplantation. The multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive medical, surgical, rehabilitation and psychosocial support tailored to each patient's unique clinical needs. 

Since performing its first heart transplant in 2015, Children's Mercy has continued to expand its pediatric transplant capabilities. Program milestones include the first combined heart-liver transplant in 2022, the 50th heart transplant in 2023 and now the 75th heart transplant in 2026. The program has completed eight heart transplants so far this year and continues to grow with the addition of two physicians, further enhancing access to advanced transplant care for children across the region. 

The Children's Mercy Heart Transplant Program offers evaluation and management of patients with end-stage heart failure, congenital heart disease requiring transplantation, and those who may benefit from advanced heart failure therapies, including ventricular assist devices and heart transplantation. Through close collaboration with community providers, the program strives to ensure timely referral, seamless care coordination and long-term follow-up for patients and families throughout the Midwest and beyond.

Integrated emotional, cognitive and mental health support — alongside world‑class cardiac care

Children’s Mercy is proud to introduce the Heart Center Wellbeing Program, a comprehensive model of care that brings together specialized psychosocial support and neurodevelopmental services with traditional cardiac treatment — so families receive seamless, whole‑heart care from diagnosis through recovery.  

What’s new

The Heart Center Well-Being Program unites two established services — the Thrive Program and the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental (CND) Program — to strengthen provider collaboration and deliver cohesive, family‑centered support in both inpatient and outpatient settings.  

Why it matters

Children with heart conditions — and their families — benefit when emotional health, coping skills, learning and development are supported alongside medical care. By expanding access to these resources, the program helps families navigate treatment, build resilience and optimize developmental outcomes across the care journey.  

Who we serve

From prenatal diagnoses through transitions for adult congenital heart disease, the Heart Center Wellbeing Program connects patients and families to the right experts and resources at the right time, making it easier to get the help they need. 

Meet the team and explore services here.