Mayo Clinic set a new benchmark in organ transplantation by performing a record total of 2,065 solid organ transplants in 2025. This achievement marks the highest number ever recorded by the institution, spanning its campuses in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida. In addition, the Mayo Clinic outperformed all other hospital systems in the United States.
“2025 was a record year,” stated Julie Heimbach, a transplant surgeon at Mayo Clinic and director of the Rochester transplant center. “We surpassed our number for 2024 by just a little bit, and also for 2023. All three of those years were really our record-setting years. We have consistently been among the nation’s highest volume transplant centers.”
The surge in transplant numbers can largely be attributed to the generosity of donors and their families, as well as Mayo Clinic’s commitment to embracing new advancements in transplantation techniques. Heimbach emphasized the continuous improvement of transplant procedures.
“The ability of our teams to do transplants is continuing to get better,” she explained. “We’re able to do more complex things than we’ve ever done before with outcomes that are continuing to be excellent.”
One significant advancement is the use of a machine that circulates oxygenated blood or special solutions through donor organs. This technique enhances the viability of the organs, allows for functional assessments, and even enables repairs before transplantation. Heimbach noted that this method helps ensure that more donated organs can be transported over greater distances and function optimally for recipients.
In addition to increasing the number of successful transplants, Mayo researchers are actively working to prevent organ rejection. When individuals receive a donated organ, their immune systems can sometimes initiate a rejection process. Heimbach clarified that while certain forms of rejection can be reversed, chronic rejection presents greater challenges.
“It’s a more insidious process where there’s scar tissue that just keeps building up,” she said. “It’s not really easy to treat that type of rejection.”
Currently, a clinical trial at Mayo is investigating whether a specific type of stem cell can prevent chronic rejection in kidney transplant recipients. These stem cells promote healing and reduce the formation of scar tissue and inflammation. Heimbach expressed optimism about the trial’s potential implications, stating that if successful, it could significantly impact patient outcomes.
With over 100,000 people currently awaiting life-saving organ transplants in the United States, the advancements at Mayo Clinic represent a beacon of hope for many. The institution’s record-setting achievements not only signify a leap forward in transplantation medicine but also illustrate the profound impact of community generosity and medical innovation.
