PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health & Science University performed its first heart transplant since the program returned in August 2019.
A 68-year-old Oregon man is recovering after receiving his new heart on March 27.
“I can’t believe how beautifully my new heart is working and how far I’ve come,” the recipient said in a news release from OHSU. “I want to congratulate the doctors for how good of a job they’ve done. It’s fantastic.”
Federal guidance recommends proceeding with organ transplants from deceased donors during the coronavirus pandemic, OHSU says.
“This heart transplant patient’s ongoing recovery is an encouraging bright spot during the immense challenges of the coronavirus pandemic,” said OHSU President Dr. Danny Jacobs.
OHSU suspended its heart transplant program in 2018 after all four of its cardiologists left the team. It received approval to resume in late August 2019.