Transplant surgeons from USF Health and Tampa General Hospital (TGH) have successfully completed the world’s first bloodless heart-liver transplant, a groundbreaking procedure that marks a significant milestone in the field of transplant surgery.
In an unprecedented medical achievement, the transplant team was able to perform the complex surgery without the use of blood products, making it the first recorded instance of a bloodless heart-liver transplant. The procedure was led by Dr. Kiran Dhanireddy, vice president and chief of the TGH Transplant Institute, and Dr. Gundars Katlaps, surgical director of the lung transplant program, both of whom are also associate professors at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.
The operation underscores the importance of academic medical centers in advancing complex medical treatments. Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, emphasized the value of academic medical centers in providing specialized care for patients with limited options. “Our physicians have the expertise to provide complex care for patients who have no other options,” Lockwood stated. He praised the innovative problem-solving and multidisciplinary care that enable better health outcomes at academic institutions, and expressed pride in the leadership demonstrated by TGH’s physicians.
John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital, echoed these sentiments, noting the significance of the academic setting in facilitating access to cutting-edge technology and research. “As a true academic health system, our transplant team has access to cutting-edge technologies, innovative techniques and the latest research available,” Couris remarked. This commitment to academic excellence contributed to the Transplant Institute’s reputation as a leader in the field, attracting patients from across the nation seeking solutions to complex medical conditions.
The patient, diagnosed with both coronary artery disease and fatty liver disease as part of metabolic syndrome, had waited more than 18 months for this groundbreaking procedure. Given the need to avoid blood products, the transplant team undertook the challenge of performing a bloodless dual-organ transplant, a rarity in medical practice.
Dr. Dhanireddy highlighted the achievement as a testament to the capabilities of academic medicine, which allowed for the assembly of a team with unparalleled expertise. “The success of this first-of-its-kind procedure is a true testament to the power of academic medicine,” he said. The procedure demonstrated meticulous surgical technique and coordinated perioperative care, which are crucial in delivering optimal outcomes for patients. Dr. Dhanireddy noted that unfortunately, many patients lack access to such resources, needing to travel significant distances and face delays in care, but TGH aims to provide equitable care for patients both locally and nationwide.
While bloodless transplant surgery has existed since the first single-organ transplant in 1986, it remains uncommon in most health systems. The discipline is evolving, with the first bloodless heart-kidney transplant recorded earlier this year. As the frequency of these surgeries increases, so does the overall success and survival rate for patients.
Beyond accommodating patients with medical contraindications or religious beliefs that preclude blood transfusions, research shows that minimizing the use of blood products has benefits such as faster recovery times and reduced infection risks. These advantages have led to advocacy for patient blood management programs aimed at optimizing the use of a patient’s own blood where possible.
Dr. Katlaps emphasized that patients already face numerous challenges, including delays and inequities in organ allocation and lack of access to specialized care. “A patient’s inability to receive blood products — whatever the reason — should not be one of them,” he stated. His team takes pride not only in making medical history but also in offering lifesaving care previously unattainable elsewhere.
According to USF Health, this historic surgery signifies a leap forward in transplant medicine, showcasing the potential for academic institutions to pioneer innovative solutions for patients worldwide.
Source: Original article