Toronto hospital performs first Canadian heart transplant after circulatory death
Global News
Canada's first heart transplant using a donor after circulatory death could boost transplants by 30 per cent, giving more patients a second chance at life.
In a groundbreaking first for Canada, surgeons at Toronto’s University Health Network (UHN) have successfully completed a heart transplant using a donor whose heart had stopped beating, a technique known as donation after circulatory death.
Unlike traditional heart transplants that use organs from brain-dead donors whose hearts continue to beat, this new approach recovers hearts after life support is withdrawn, and the heart has stopped beating.
In early September, a team at UHN’s Toronto General Hospital transplanted a heart that had stopped beating after life support was withdrawn.
Dr. Ali Rabi, the cardiac surgeon at UHN’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre who led the surgery, said, “Before, we only used hearts from brain-dead donors whose hearts were still beating. Now, we can use hearts that have stopped beating after life support is withdrawn.”
This new method allows doctors to do the same surgery on more viable donors and increase the number of hearts available for use.
“These are donors who are not considered brain dead. They have a few basic reflexes but no prospect of recovery. That decision is made by the patient, their family, their treatment team, and a neurology team. The family then decides they do not want their loved one to continue like this.”
This innovative step in the world of organ transplants marks a turn for those waiting for a new heart.
Heart failure is one of the most common reasons people are admitted to hospital in Canada and is a leading cause of death.
It's another day of teeth-chattering cold across much of the Prairies today as temperatures are forecast to reach frostbite-risk levels.
According to CMHC's annual rental market report, Kelowna's vacancy rate is now sitting at 6.4 per cent, up significantly from 3.8 per cent last year.
Alberta's early-learning and child-care fees will remain at $15-a-day through to 2027 as the province works with Ottawa to firm up a more permanent deal.
The six new Global 6500 jets will replace the Air Force's remaining Challenger aircraft, which are used to shuttle around VIPs like the prime minister and Governor General.
The Canadian Airline Dispatchers Association said Wednesday that 100 per cent of its 36 Porter members have voted in favour of strike action.
An Ontario MP’s floor crossing ahead of holiday break gives Pierre Poilievre no time to rally the Conservative caucus until late January.
Steve MacKinnon said the group tiring of Pierre Poilievre's 'obstructionist' approach is 'sizable' but wouldn't speculate on whether any more of them will cross the floor.
An independent review into how Fredericton police conduct major crime investigations has found 'limitations' in how the force deals with complex cases.
Canadian apparel brand Lululemon reported quarterly earnings that showed sales dropped in North America as many Canadians grapple with the high cost of living.
An Ontario lawyer allegedly involved in a violent transnational drug ring headed by a Canadian Olympian would be at risk if he was granted bail, Crown attorneys say.
Lawyers representing the family of a Longueuil, Que., teen who was shot dead by police say they are shocked by allegations of police interference.
The province was responding to a Global News report that all 14 extortion suspects sent for deportation hearings had filed refugee claims.
Charles’ decision to disclose his diagnosis was a departure for Britain’s royals, who have traditionally shared few details about their health with the public.