There are only 73 lung transplant centers in the United States and, until recently, none on Long Island. As a result, many have fought an uphill battle waiting for transplant, including Lindsay Salguero-Lopez, 40. In late January, end-stage heart and lung failure left her near death, with transplant as the only treatment that could save her life. Fortunately, Northwell had just launched its program days prior. Even more fortunate, donor organs became available just three days later and in the early morning hours of February 5, Lindsay became the first person to receive a lung transplant on Long Island.
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On this special episode of 20-Minute Health Talk, listen to the delicate and life-giving sounds of Lindsay's landmark surgery, and hear from the medical team who saved her life. They include:
- Aldo Iacono, MD, medical director of advanced lung failure and lung transplantation
- Zachary Kon, MD, Northwell’s surgical director of advanced heart failure and cardiac transplantation, as well as advanced lung failure and lung transplantation
- and Paul Trevlos, AVP of cardiothoracic surgery and the administrative lead for Northwell's lung transplant program.
Chapters:
- 00:44 - Lindsay in crisis
- 01:06 - Waiting for transplant
- 02:07 - Preparing for surgery
- 03:26 - Moving to the OR
- 03:39 - Donor organs arrive
- 05:24 - Implantation time
- 06:05 - A shock to the heart
- 06:43 - Long Island's first lung transplant
- 07:34 - An urgent need for lung transplant
- 08:38 - Panel discussion intro
- 09:21 - Returning to life after transplant
- 10:08 - Post-operative care
- 11:31 - Building a world-class program
- 12:55 - History of lung transplant (and heart-lung)
- 14:26 - Recovery from lung transplant
- 16:39 - Ways lung transplant programs start
- 17:25 - Rounding out transplant services
- 19:35 - Innovation in lung transplant
- 21:12 - Novel immunosuppression
