Aaron Williams is a cardiac surgeon at Vanderbilt University Medical Center specializing in heart transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, advanced aortic surgery, and donor organ preservation. His clinical and research interests focus on innovative strategies to improve heart recovery, minimize ischemia-reperfusion injury, and expand access to transplantation through emerging technologies and DCD heart preservation techniques. Dr. Williams has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and received multiple national awards and research grants related to surgical innovation and transplant science. His current work includes advancing novel preservation approaches such as the REUP technique and extended heart preservation strategies.
Heart Transplant Innovation: Expanding What’s Possible
Join Dr. Aaron Williams for an engaging discussion on emerging innovations transforming the field of heart transplantation. The session will spotlight Vanderbilt’s REUP (Rapid Recovery with Extended Ultraoxygenated Preservation) technique for DCD heart transplantation — an innovative preservation approach aimed at expanding donor heart utilization and improving transplant access. Additional topics will include evolving preservation strategies such as 10°C heart preservation, extended preservation times, and other advancements shaping the future of donor heart recovery and transplantation. Designed for transplant clinicians, researchers, coordinators, procurement professionals, and healthcare leaders, this webinar offers valuable insight into the rapidly evolving landscape of heart transplant innovation.