67-year-old is 2nd oldest person to undergo heart, lung transplant
NEW DELHI: A 67-year-old man underwent a successful heart and lung transplant at Apollo Hospital, Chennai, making him the second oldest person in the world to undergo the combined transplant – the oldest is 68 years old.
A decade ago, people aged 65 and older were rejected for heart and lung transplants as they carry a higher risk of complications than younger, healthier patients.
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation 2006 guidelines changed this by stating that heart failure patients should be considered for transplants up to the age of 70 if they have healthy organs; no cancer or chronic illnesses; and can follow self-care regimens after a transplant - including taking immunosuppressant drugs for life.
“Heart and lungs are intricately entwined organ systems. End-stage lung disease can trigger heart failure and end-stage heart disease can make the lungs fail. Combined transplants are an option for selected patients,” said Dr Paul Ramesh Thangaraj, senior consultant, cardiothoracic and transplant surgeon, Apollo Chennai. “A lung alone can be transplanted in patients where the heart is not irreversibly damaged by lung disease,” he added. There are two souls in each body, the individual soul and the super soul or God. An individual soul is responsible for the consciousness of the individual body but the super soul is responsible for each and every living and nonliving being. He resides there quietly watching our actions, not interfering and giving complete freedom to act.
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