Heart Transplant Patient Gets Two Hearts

Teresa Neumann : Feb 28, 2011
Claire Bates - The Daily Mail

"This is a very rare procedure, but one worth having in the tool kit of options in cardiac replacement. It's a safe operation with an average survival of 10 years." -Dr. Jack Copeland

(San Diego, Ca.)—Tyson Smith, 36, was suffering from heart failure, but doctors at U.C. San Diego Thorton Hospital said he was too weak to endure a heart transplant. Instead, in a rare medical procedure, they left Smith's own heart in place and attached a second donor heart to it.

The procedure, called "heterotopic heart transplantation," was a "great success" and ultimately saved Smith's life. (Photo: UCSD)

Said head surgeon, Dr. Jack Copeland: "Mr. Smith is a pioneer among heart transplant patients, This is a very rare procedure, but one worth having in the tool kit of options in cardiac replacement. It's a safe operation with an average survival of 10 years."

For those who enjoy watching surgeries, click on the link below to watch Smith's two hearts beating together. Truly amazing.