Chennai: In a remarkable medical achievement, the lungs of a brain-dead patient in Bangalore were transported to MGM Healthcare in Chennai for a life-saving transplant within just 4.5 hours. This feat was made possible due to the collective efforts of medical professionals and the dedicated support of traffic authorities in both cities.
The donor lungs, harvested from a 30-year-old individual who tragically lost his life in a road traffic accident in Bangalore, were swiftly transported early this morning. With the unavailability of suitable flights at that hour, the Heart and Lung Transplant Team, led by the accomplished Dr. KR Balakrishnan, made the strategic decision to transport the precious organ by road through a route that included Hosur, Krishnagiri, Vellore, and Kanchipuram, ensuring the fastest possible arrival in Chennai.
The entire process, from organ retrieval to transportation to Chennai, was completed within an impressive 4.5 hours. This exceptional achievement was made possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of the medical teams and the unwavering support of the Bangalore, Chennai, and Greater Chennai Traffic Police. The establishment of a “green corridor” facilitated the swift and seamless transportation of the organ. Such corridors have proven to be invaluable in expediting organ transfers from donors to recipients, contributing to the efficiency of organ transplantation procedures and saving numerous lives. The Medical Green Corridor initiative has emerged as a vital tool in enhancing organ transplant procedures and increasing the number of lives saved across India.
The lungs were transplanted into a 55-year-old female patient who had been reliant on ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) for over a month, grappling with non-resolving interstitial lung disease. Under the skillful guidance of Dr. KR Balakrishnan, Director of the Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support at MGM Healthcare, the transplant surgery was performed with great success, offering a new lease on life to the recipient.
This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the dedication of healthcare professionals and the collaborative spirit of communities working together to save lives. The rapid organ transportation, coupled with the expertise of the medical team, exemplifies the incredible progress made in organ transplantation and highlights the potential for further advancements in the field.
