If you’re still thinking of a meaningful New Year’s resolution to adopt — one that could save lives — consider becoming an organ donor. This is the heartfelt plea of one of our remarkable patients here at CTVS.
“One person has the ability to be an organ donor and to save up to eight lives,” says CTVS heart transplant recipient Kristen Patton who recently shared her story with KEYE-TV and the Austin American-Statesman.
Patton received a donor heart four years ago after suffering two heart attacks and being diagnosed with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection following the birth of her child. She had to wait more than a year on the organ donor list to receive her call that one was available. Dr. William Kessler, who performed Patton’s heart transplant surgery, says that the need for organ donation has increased significantly since the pandemic.
“There’s a backlog of some patients waiting for a transplant,” explains Dr. Kessler. “It’s more important than ever to get organ donations lined up and become donors.”
Heart transplants are needed when a person’s heart can no longer sufficiently pump blood through the rest of the body and all other medical options have proven unsuccessful. During transplant surgery, a damaged heart is removed and then replaced with a healthy functioning heart.
CTVS is a pioneer in heart transplant surgery in Central Texas, having performed the first one in the region in 1986. CTVS is still the only practice in Central Texas providing this life-saving procedure to adults over 18 years of age, and we have logged numerous successful surgeries in the past 35 years.
You can learn more about the importance of organ donation here.
For any questions about our heart health and vascular services, please visit us at ctvstexas.com or call (512) 459-8753 to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
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