Brian Jeffrey
Rapid Recovery After Heart Transplant
Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, the head of the Anesthesia and Resuscitation Unit for Cardiovascular Surgery at HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, announced on August 31 that a patient has made a swift recovery following heart surgery.
The patient, L.A.H, a 37-year-old man, suffered from severe heart failure before the transplant. Thanks to a generous heart donation from a deceased individual in Hanoi, he showed remarkable improvement post-operation.
Initially diagnosed with cardiomyopathy back in 2021, L.A.H had a mere 18 percent functional capacity of his heart muscle. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he was unable to obtain timely medical care.
By July 2023, L.A.H’s condition worsened significantly, prompting him to seek treatment at HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Here, doctors found he was in a serious state with a rare Rh negative blood type.
Following a period of medical intervention, his health began to stabilize, and he was placed on the heart transplant waiting list. On August 24, he received the call to be hospitalized for the surgery.
The heart transplant was successful, with the organ sourced from a 32-year-old man who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident in Hanoi. The logistics of transporting the heart involved a coordinated effort from the donor’s family, medical professionals, and local authorities.
The surgical team worked diligently to ensure the procedure was a success, and now, the new heart is functioning well.
Post-surgery, the patient required just one day of intensive care. By the second day, he was able to sit up and stand, and on the fifth day, he began eating and engaging with others.
L.A.H expressed heartfelt thanks to the family of the donor, stating, “They have given me the gift of life. I can’t wait to run and go home.”
As of now, L.A.H continues to receive follow-up care at the hospital.
In related news, on August 22, Saint Paul Hospital in Hanoi admitted N.D.T, a 32-year-old man, who was in critical condition due to a severe traffic accident. After assessments on August 24, medical experts determined he was brain dead.
The heart from N.D.T was transported to HCM City, while other organs, such as his liver and kidneys, were donated to patients at various hospitals including Viet Duc Hospital and 108 Central Military Hospital.
