The Hospital of Padova, in Italy, made medical history by performing the first heart transplant with the organ beating continuously, from the time it was removed from the donor to its implantation in the patient.
The operation was led by renowned cardiac surgeon Gino Gerosa and performed on a 65-year-old man suffering from post-ischemic heart disease. “It is the first in the world with a fully beating heart. In a traditional heart transplant, the organ is removed and implanted immobile, but in this case, it has always been beating and so the entire transplant was performed with the heart beating, from the moment of removal to the moment of implantation,” explained Gerosa.
The method represents a milestone in increasing organ protection during transplantation, which could mean a longer life expectancy for patients who receive the heart.
“We are very happy for the patient and because this result paves the way for many others. It is a true revolution because we better protect the heart and the life expectancy of the patient who receives it,” highlighted the surgeon.
Recovery and future impact
The patient, who was facing severe complications due to heart disease, responded well to the procedure and is expected to return home before Christmas. The medical team is celebrating not only the success of the operation, but also the possibilities it opens up for the future of heart transplants.
This innovation places the Italy at the forefront of cardiac medicine, marking a significant advance that promises to benefit thousands of patients around the world.
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