The domino transplant is challenging and complex and requires extremely close coordination between the two surgical teams. Dr. Aditya Bansal, Ochsner Surgical Director of Heart Transplant, directed Charles’ heart transplant surgery, while Dr. John Seal, an Ochsner abdominal transplant surgeon, led the team to replace the liver of transplant recipient Benny Capagnano, who was suffering from acute liver failure.
Months after the surgery, Charles and Benny met. There were tears and hugs and a new, unbreakable bond between the two men. “One of the things that drew me to transplant is this really unique human connection and human generosity that makes it all happen,” said Dr. Seal. “In transplant, it’s really the generosity and the gift of the donor that makes life possible.”
For the members of Ochsner’s multidisciplinary transplant team, the successful procedure was a remarkable and rewarding achievement. Notes Dr. Seal, “The preparation leading up to it, and the surgery the day of, were really exhilarating for the team. These are the types of challenges we come to work for every day.”