First Airlift Organ Recipient in Kerala Passes Away After a Decade
Kerala’s first airlift organ recipient dies
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Mathew Achadan, the first recipient of an organ flown by air ambulance in Kerala, died at 57 after living for over a decade post-heart transplant. His surgery in 2015 marked a significant milestone in organ donation and transplant history in the state.
- 01Mathew Achadan received Kerala's first airlifted organ in 2015.
- 02He lived for over 10 years after a heart transplant despite initial survival odds of 50%.
- 03Achadan was an autorickshaw driver and actively worked post-surgery.
- 04The heart was transported via a Navy aircraft, completing a journey that would typically take four hours by road in under an hour.
- 05Achadan's case highlights the importance of organ donation awareness and post-transplant care.
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Mathew Achadan, who made history as the first organ recipient in Kerala to receive a heart flown by air ambulance, passed away on Monday at the age of 57. Achadan underwent a heart transplant on July 24, 2015, after being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. His surgery was a landmark event, as it involved the heart of S Neelakanta Sharma, a lawyer who was declared brain dead. The organ was transported from Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi using a Navy Dornier aircraft, significantly shortening the transportation time. Despite initial survival odds of only 50%, Achadan lived for over 10 years, actively working as an autorickshaw driver to support his family. His follow-up care was consistent, and he last visited the hospital in March 2023. Achadan's journey underscores the critical role of organ donation awareness and the impact of timely medical interventions.
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Achadan's story highlights the importance of organ donation awareness and the potential for successful transplant outcomes, encouraging more families to consider organ donation.
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