Pune: In a remarkable demonstration of medical coordination and timely action, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, successfully facilitated the retrieval and transportation of donor lungs from Devgiri Hospital, Parbhani, to Pune, enabling a critically ill patient to undergo a life-saving lung transplant.
The 53-year-old male recipient, who had been suffering from advanced lung disease for the past six years, was dependent on supplemental oxygen, with his condition progressively restricting his ability to perform routine activities. He had been registered with DPU for the past one-and-a-half years while awaiting a suitable donor.
On the evening of 21st September, the transplant team received information about a potential lung donor from Parbhani whose organs matched the recipient. The 46-year-old male donor, who had sustained injuries in an accident on 20th September, was admitted to Devgiri Hospital, Parbhani. He was subsequently declared brain-dead following the prescribed clinical assessment, including an apnea test. Following counselling, his family consented to organ donation, giving the gift of life to patients in need.
A DPU retrieval team comprising transplant surgeons, a pulmonologist, medical staff, nurses, bronchoscopy technicians and a transplant coordinator travelled overnight to Parbhani and reached the donor hospital the following morning. The organ retrieval was completed at around 1:00 PM on 22nd September.
Considering the approximately 380-km distance between Parbhani and Pune and the limited preservation window for donor lungs, the team decided to arrange a chartered aircraft rather than rely solely on road transportation. With support from the hospital administration, an aircraft was arranged from Hyderabad and reached Nanded Airport, around 75 km from the donor hospital.
The retrieved lungs were transported from Parbhani to Nanded Airport through a green corridor coordinated by the Parbhani and Nanded Police and traffic authorities. The aircraft then transported the lungs to Pune, reaching the city at approximately 3:15 PM. From Pune Airport, the lungs were transferred to an ambulance, with the Pune Police, PCMC Police and traffic authorities facilitating a green corridor to DPU Super Specialty Hospital. The organs reached DPU at approximately 4:00 PM, allowing the transplant team to proceed with the recipient’s treatment.
The successful operation was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the DPU The transplant team, donor hospital, Parbhani and Nanded Police, Pune Police Commissionerate, Pune traffic police, PCMC Commissionerate, PCMC traffic division, airport authorities, ambulance teams and hospital administration worked in close coordination to facilitate the time-critical organ retrieval and transportation. Their seamless coordination ensured that the donor lungs travelled nearly 380 km and reached DPU within the critical timeframe required for transplantation.
Dr. P.D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “This case reflects the power of medical expertise and coordinated teamwork in saving lives. I commend all the teams and authorities involved, and deeply appreciate the donor family for their noble decision to give the gift of life.”
Dr. Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “Organ donation gives patients a second chance at life. The donor family’s decision, along with the dedication of our medical and support teams, made this life-saving transplant possible. We hope this effort encourages greater awareness about organ donation.”
Dr. Yashraj Patil, Trustee & Treasurer, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “Transporting donor lungs over nearly 380 kilometres within a limited timeframe required exceptional coordination. The chartered flight and green corridors, supported by the police and airport authorities, ensured the organs reached DPU in time. I sincerely appreciate everyone involved.”