Ochsner Transplant Institute performs 10,000th transplant surgery

The milestone surgery took place Aug. 9, 2026, at Ochsner Medical Center-New Orleans. A liver transplant was performed by John Seal, MD, in coordination with a comprehensive team of physicians, nurses and support specialists. 

"Ochsner's 10,000th transplant represents far more than a number. It reflects the collective commitment of our teams, the trust of our patients and the extraordinary generosity of organ donors and their families,” said Ari Cohen, MD, director of the Ochsner Transplant Institute. "Every transplant is a second chance at life, and this milestone speaks to the lasting impact we've made and the responsibility we carry to continue advancing care for the patients who need us most." 

Since Dr. John Ochsner performed the Gulf South's first heart transplant in 1970, Ochsner has helped thousands of patients return to their families, careers and communities through life-saving organ transplantation. Each transplant represents a story of hope and resilience, made possible by the selfless decision of organ donors and their loved ones during some of life's most difficult moments.  

The need for this expertise has never been greater. More than 100,000 people in the United States are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, with over 2,000 people in Louisiana alone on transplant waiting lists, highlighting the ongoing need for increased organ donation and continued advancements in transplant medicine.  

Setting the standard in transplant care across the region 

Established in 1984, the Ochsner Transplant Institute has become one of the most active and experienced transplant programs in the Gulf South, performing procedures across kidney, liver, heart, lung and pancreas transplantation. The institute continues to drive innovation that expands access to transplantation and improves patient outcomes. Most recently, Ochsner completed its 4,000th liver transplant and its 40th robotic-assisted kidney transplant, milestones that reflect the program's leadership in transplant surgery.  

The institute's innovations include: 

• Robotic-assisted kidney transplantation, a minimally invasive approach that improves precision, reduces recovery time and enhances outcomes. 

• Louisiana's only in-house organ perfusion system, which preserves and optimizes donor organs outside the body, expanding the number of viable organs available. 

• The state's only pediatric heart transplant program and living donor liver transplant program, extending life-saving care to patients who might otherwise face limited options.  

These advances, combined with nationally recognized outcomes and a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, help ensure patients receive personalized care throughout every stage of the transplant journey.  

Looking ahead: Shaping the future of transplant medicine 

As it celebrates this milestone, the Ochsner Transplant Institute remains focused on the future. Through continued investment in research, advanced technologies, living donor programs and innovative approaches to organ preservation, Ochsner is working to expand access to transplantation and help address the growing gap between organ availability and patient need.  

"While we're proud to celebrate 10,000 transplants, our focus remains on the thousands of patients still waiting for a lifesaving organ and the opportunities ahead to transform transplant care," said Dr. Cohen. "We are committed to honoring the gift of donation by pushing the field forward, expanding access to transplantation and creating more second chances for patients and families from across our region and beyond."  

Learn more about the Ochsner Transplant Institute by visiting Ochsner Transplant Institute | Ochsner Health.