A surgeon at Westchester Medical Center has achieved a historic milestone by becoming one of the pioneering doctors on the East Coast to successfully perform a beating heart transplant.
Dr. Suguru Ohira conducted his inaugural surgery in April, and since then, he has successfully completed approximately six additional surgeries.
“It was a challenging experience, so I am grateful that he is here and by my side,” expressed Ana De Leon, Ricardo’s fiancée. “Naturally, we were apprehensive because it involved a completely new heart and all the uncertainties that come with it. However, I had faith that the procedure itself was in capable hands.”
Dr. Ohira believes that this procedure brings a new ray of hope to the 10,000 New Yorkers who are patiently awaiting a heart transplant. It is worth mentioning that he holds the distinction of being the pioneer to successfully perform this groundbreaking procedure in the Hudson Valley.
According to Ohira, there is a potential to expand the donor pool, which could offer more opportunities to these candidates.
Acuna’s family and doctors have reported that he is making a good recovery.
De Leon expressed that Ricardo has regained his vitality from 20 years ago and currently possesses more energy than De Leon himself.