The quality of life of 20-year-old Drogheda girl, cystic fibrosis sufferer Leigh Bagnall will be significantly enhanced after an innovative surgical procedure performed in a donor’s lungs prior to transplantation.
Known as ex vivo lung perfusion transplantation (EVLP), the procedure reconditions organs that would have previously been deemed unsuitable, thus greatly expanding the pool of potential donors.
The surgery, the first of its kind done in Ireland, was performed at the Mater Hospital by consultant surgeon Karen Redmond and her team.
Speaking to the media after the succesful outcome of the pioneering procedure, Ms. Redmond said that the surgery marked “a hugely significant milestone in the history of the transplant programme in the Mater hospital and for the Ireland East Hospital Group.”
After spending eight and half weeks in the transplant waiting list and undergoing the surgery, the young girl can now look forward to a brighter future.