Young patient recovering after world’s first combination heart transplant and thymus procedure

One-year-old Easton and his mom Kaitlyn. Easton was the first patient to undergo a combination heart transplant and allogeneic processed thymus tissue implantation in an effort to eliminate the need for long-term, immune-suppression, anti-rejection medications. Image courtesy of Duke University.

One-year-old Easton with family. Easton was the first patient to undergo a combination heart transplant and allogeneic processed thymus tissue implantation in an effort to eliminate the need for long-term, immune-suppression, anti-rejection medications. Image courtesy of Duke University.

“This has the potential to change the face of solid organ transplantation in the future,” one surgeon said. 

War in Ukraine: Perfusionist from Ukraine asks clinicians to help his homeland

A pediatric patient who was wounded by Russian fire during fighting in Kyiv, Ukraine, being triaged at the National Children's Specialized Hospital. #Ukraine #UkraineRussianWarb #civiliancasualties
A pediatric patient who was wounded in the fighting in Kyiv, Ukraine, being triaged at the National Children's Specialized Hospital. A Canadian perfusionist who used to work at the hospital is asking clinicians to donate to help his former colleagues. Photo released by the National Children's Specialized Hospital

Ukrainian native and pediatric perfusionist Kyrylo Chasovskyi is now heading efforts to mobilize funds and supplies to send to his former pediatric hospital in Kyiv.

Cardiac hospitals still treating patients as war in Ukraine continues

The cardiac surgery post-op recovery area in the basement of Heart Institute hospital in Kyiv. Cardiac surgeon Igor Mokryk MD, said clinical operations were moved into the hospital's bomb shelter shortly after the launch of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but they are still treating patients.

The cardiac surgery post-op recovery area in the basement of Heart Institute in Kyiv. Cardiac surgeon Igor Mokryk MD, said clinical operations were moved into the hospital's bomb shelter shortly after the launch of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but they are still treating patients.

Despite the Russian invasion, many Ukrainian cardiologists are staying behind to treat patients.