The New York State Department of Health on Feb. 18 recommended approval of Northwell Health’s request to open a heart transplant center at Cohen Children’s Medical Center (CCMC), expanding upon the wide range of pediatric care already available at the facility. This is the first pediatric heart transplant program available on Long Island. According to data from the United Network of Organ Sharing, 55 percent of all pediatric heart transplants that happen in New York state are within CCMC’s service area.

“The approval to provide heart transplantation services at Cohen’s is the culmination of years of hard, dedicated work from our staff, and highlights why it is the best children’s hospital on Long Island,” said Charles Schleien, MD, senior vice president and chair of pediatric services at CCMC. “Being able to provide this life-saving procedure close to home means less travel time for sick children and their families. Staying close to home will make this incredibly challenging time just a little bit easier for Long Island families, and I’m glad it’s a service we can provide.”

Jake Kleinmahon, MD, is the medical director of pediatric heart failure and transplant program at Cohen’s. He comes to CCMC from Ochsner Hospital for Children in New Orleans, where he also served as their director of pediatric heart transplant and heart failure. Timothy Martens, MD, is the surgical director. Dr. Martens specializes in cardiac surgery and heart transplant surgery. Together, they have been involved in hundreds of heart transplants.

“With this approval, we are embarking on a new chapter in pediatric cardiac care,” said Dr. Kleinmahon. “At Northwell, we are committed to advancing the field of pediatric heart transplantation and giving these children the best possible chance at a wonderful life.” The approval from the state also expands the reach and services offered by Northwell Health’s Transplant Institute, which offers world-class transplant care at more than 40 locations throughout Long Island, New York City, Westchester and New Jersey.

“Transplantation is a life-saving procedure for some of our most vulnerable patients,” said Nabil Dagher, MD, director of Northwell’s Transplant Institute. “This approval further expands the Transplant Institute’s scope of pediatric services, adding to its already strong pediatric kidney transplant program.” Procedures will be performed at CCMC’s state-of-the-art Damaghi Family Pediatric Surgical Operating Complex. The 24,000-square-foot, $110 million complex opened in 2022. It features eight child-friendly operating suites with hidden instruments and large photo walls. Patients can listen to their own music and watch videos before surgery or visit one of several play spaces to make them feel more at home.

In addition to Drs. Kleinmahon and Martens, CCMC has recruited more than 20 other care providers with expertise in heart transplantation and support services. This multidisciplinary team will help patients through every step of the process, from check-in to long-term, postoperative care.