Mayo Clinic Achieved Historic Milestone with 10 Organ Transplants in 24 Hours

In an extraordinary display of medical expertise and teamwork, Mayo Clinic recently performed 10 organ transplants in a single day, marking a groundbreaking achievement for both the hospital and the state of Arizona.

On November 19, 2023, Mayo Clinic’s transplant teams completed seven kidney transplants and three liver transplants within just 24 hours, an accomplishment that underscores the life-saving impact of organ donation, technological advancements, and exceptional collaboration among healthcare professionals.

“Ten people received a second chance at life in a single day, This milestone would not have been possible without the generous gift of organ donation, advances in organ perfusion technology, and the commitment of our highly specialized team.” – Bashar Aqel, Director of Mayo Clinic’s Transplant Center in Arizona

The path to this record-setting day was filled with challenges, but also moments of triumph. Prior to November 19, three living-donor kidney transplants had already been scheduled.

However, as the day progressed, the transplant team found themselves facing an unexpected and significant opportunity—several additional organs became available, extending the scope of their efforts.

In total, the team completed the seven kidney and three liver transplants, a feat that required precise coordination and a carefully orchestrated plan.

Critical to the success of these surgeries was the use of advanced organ perfusion technology, which allows organs to be preserved outside the body for extended periods of time before being transplanted.

This technology enabled the preservation of the livers and some kidneys for several hours, buying time for surgeons to prepare and perform the transplants with optimal outcomes.

The team also had to navigate logistical hurdles, ensuring that enough operating room space and staff were available to accommodate the high volume of surgeries. The collaboration and flexibility demonstrated by Mayo Clinic’s transplant team were instrumental in meeting the challenges of the day.

Dr. Aqel highlighted the significance of this achievement not only in terms of the number of lives saved but also as part of the larger effort to address the organ shortage crisis in the U.S. “Every day, an estimated 17 people die while waiting for an organ transplant,” he said. “Through innovation, organ perfusion, and a relentless focus on improving outcomes, we are working to reverse that trend and save more lives.”

Among the 10 patients who received life-saving transplants that day was John Churan, whose story exemplifies the power of modern medicine and organ donation. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma 16 years ago, John’s prognosis was grim.

When his kidney began to fail in 2020, his situation became even more dire. However, after undergoing stem cell treatment at Mayo Clinic, John achieved full remission from the cancer, making him eligible for a kidney transplant. Miraculously, his wife of 36 years, Julia Churan, was a perfect match and volunteered to donate one of her kidneys to save his life.

For John, the events of that day are nothing short of miraculous. “I never imagined I would get a second chance at life, especially after everything I’ve been through,” he said. “I am forever grateful to Mayo Clinic, the organ donors, and the incredible medical team who made this possible.”

This historic achievement is a testament to Mayo Clinic’s unwavering commitment to providing world-class care, advancing medical science, and making life-saving procedures more accessible to those in need. As a nonprofit organization, Mayo Clinic’s focus on innovation in clinical practice, education, and research continues to shape the future of healthcare, offering hope and healing to thousands of patients every year.