Jaipur: A 23-year-old woman from Jaipur, who became the first recipient of a combined heart and lung transplant at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, passed away late Tuesday night, just two days after the surgery. The organs had been retrieved from a brain-dead donor in Jhalawar.
First-Ever Dual Transplant at SMS Hospital
This groundbreaking procedure was the hospital’s first heart and lung transplant. The organs were transported via helicopter from Jhalawar Medical College to ensure timely delivery, marking the first time SMS Hospital used air transport for organ transplantation.
Cause of Death: Post-Surgical Complications
While there were no surgical errors reported, the patient developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a rare but severe condition that causes widespread abnormal blood clotting.
“A rare condition like DIC can arise post-transplant and was responsible for her demise,” said a senior SMS Medical College official.
Background of the Patient’s Condition
The woman suffered from Eisenmenger syndrome, a complication of congenital heart defects leading to pulmonary hypertension and irreversible lung damage. As both her heart and lungs were severely affected, a dual organ transplant was necessary.
Efforts in Organ Transportation
The organs were airlifted from Jhalawar to Jaipur in a time-sensitive operation. “If transported by road, the organs would not have reached in time,” the official added, underscoring the critical role of air transport in saving lives.
Despite the unfortunate outcome, the procedure was a significant milestone for SMS Hospital, showcasing advancements in organ transplantation and emergency logistics.
