Multi-Organ Transplant

Research Initiatives and Innovations

Overview List of Clinics A - Z Glossary Maps and Directions Staff List Information for Health Professionals Research Initiatives and Innovations Education and Training

Our commitment to high-quality research has been critical to the success of the Multi Organ Transplant Program. Initiatives in both the basic science of immunology/transplantation as well as active clinical trials, which evaluate new immunosuppressive agents, are in progress.

Basic Research
Results of basic science have resulted in work going from the bench to bedside in applications of new immunotherapy, new approaches to the treatment of patients with immunological and infectious related problems in the setting of transplantation. The Multi Organ Transplant Program is currently focused in three primary areas of research: tolerance, organ supply, and inflammation and repair. These key fields encompass important topics for investigation such as gene therapy, organogenesis, xenotransplantation, and stem cell therapy.

Clinical Trials
The Multi Organ Transplant Program strongly encourages clinical research designed to evaluate and advance the science of transplantation, and the care of transplant patients. To date a number of clinical studies have been conducted examining quality of life issues and predictive clinical outcomes.

The program promotes research efforts from all health disciplines and welcomes opportunities to enhance transplant practice through clinical investigations.

Achievements
Over the past 4 decades, organ transplantation at the University Health Network has evolved to be able to offer the country's most comprehensive range of transplant services, high quality patient care, research and program innovations. Here, you will find highlights of the proud history and achievements of the Multi Organ Transplant Program.

Major Discoveries, Developments & Successes
1965	Ontario’s first formal kidney dialysis and transplantation program initiated
1966	Ontario's first living donor kidney transplant recipient in Ontario performed: one of Canada's longest surviving organ recipients
1968	Ontario's first heart transplant
1983	World's first single lung transplant
1985	Introduction of liver transplant program
1986	World's first double lung transplant
1988	World's first cystic fibrosis patient to undergo a double-lung transplant successfully
1990	Consolidation of heart, lung, liver, kidney transplant programs to produce Canada's first Multi Organ Transplant Programs
1990	Canada's first multi-organ transplant: liver & lung into one recipient
1995	Introduction of pancreas/kidney transplant program
1996	World's first combined single lung transplant and lung volume reduction procedure for emphysema
1997	Production of 4 patient teaching videos
1998	Development of MOT Program Philosophy of Care Statement
1999	Introduction of small bowel transplant program
1999	Introduction of Primary Care Nurse Practitioner role in transplantation
2000	Introduction of living donor liver transplant program. This program is currently the largest in North America
2000	TGH’s first cluster transplant performed (stomach, liver, pancreas and small bowel)
2001	Launch of MOT Program website
2006	TGH and St. Michael’s Hospitals collaborate in an innovative Paired Kidney Exchange Program
2006	Canada’s first anonymous living liver transplant

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