Tampa General Hospital Achieves Landmark in Medical Science with Bloodless Heart-Liver Transplant

Pioneering Medical Advances: Tampa General's Historic Bloodless Transplant Surgery

On July 7, 2025, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and USF Health achieved a monumental milestone in medical history by successfully conducting the world’s first documented bloodless heart-liver transplant. This groundbreaking procedure marks a significant step forward in transplant medicine, especially for patients who, due to religious beliefs or medical conditions, cannot receive blood products.
Led by Dr. Kiran Dhanireddy and Dr. Gundars Katlaps, both esteemed faculty at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, the operation has garnered attention for its complexity and the high level of expertise required. Dr. Dhanireddy expressed pride in the meticulous surgical technique and the coordinated care provided by a dedicated multidisciplinary team. The success of this procedure not only reflects the capabilities of an academic medical center but also the commitment to improving patient outcomes in complex cases.
The patient involved in this pioneering surgery had faced a challenging diagnosis that included coronary artery disease and fatty liver disease, both of which are associated with metabolic syndrome. After an 18-month wait for a suitable transplant, the procedure's unique bloodless nature posed a formidable challenge for the surgical team. Nevertheless, the collective expertise available at TGH enabled them to navigate these complications expertly.
John Couris, the President and CEO of Tampa General Hospital, remarked on the institute's role as a national leader in transplant surgeries. He noted, "Our academic distinction, complemented by advanced technologies and innovative techniques, positions us to deliver exceptional transplant care. This also reflects our commitment to expanding access to complex medical treatments for patients in need."
Dr. Charles J. Lockwood, Executive Vice President at USF Health, reiterated the advantages of academic medical centers in tackling intricate medical issues through extensive research and specialized knowledge. As he stated, "Providing care in challenging circumstances is our forte. Innovative solutions to complex problems result in improved health outcomes for patients facing dire medical situations."
While the journey to bloodless transplants began back in 1986, this specialized field is still developing, with few health organizations equipped to undertake such surgeries. The rise in bloodless transplant operations has paralleled improved success rates and patient survivability statistics.
Research indicates that avoiding blood products leads to faster recovery times and a reduced risk of infections, which further supports the development of patient blood management programs. Dr. Katlaps emphasized the importance of equitable access to healthcare, stating, "Patients should not be disadvantaged, especially regarding their ability to receive necessary medical care due to their blood product restrictions."
The success of this bloodless heart-liver transplant at TGH not only demonstrates formidable surgical achievement but also signifies a cultural shift towards more patient-centered and inclusive healthcare practices. In this case, the successful implementation of a highly specialized procedure exemplifies the kind of innovative problem-solving that characterizes the TGH Transplant Institute, which ranked as the top adult solid organ transplant center in the nation in 2024, performing an unprecedented 889 transplants throughout the year.
This remarkable achievement marks another feather in the cap of Tampa General Hospital, which celebrated its 50th anniversary of the Transplant Institute. As plans proceed to continue advancing the field of transplantation, the integrated care model realized at TGH aims to address the growing needs of the transplant patient community nationwide.
For further information regarding the advancements at Tampa General Hospital and the groundbreaking work being done at the Transplant Institute, visit TGH's website.