On December 23, a critical incident unfolded when a heart transplant for a two-year-old boy with a congenital heart defect took a disastrous turn. The boy, who had been waiting for a new heart, was thought to be on the verge of a miraculous recovery after receiving the organ. However, his parents were met with an unforeseen tragedy that transformed what was supposed to be a joyous Christmas into a nightmare. The heart, which was harvested from another child in Bolzano, was transported to Naples but arrived in critical condition due to mismanagement in the transportation process.

The critical failure involved the use of dry ice for transporting the organ instead of following the established medical protocols, which require synthetic ice or water ice at regulated temperatures to keep the organ viable. This negligence resulted in the heart being structurally compromised, described as being "burned" upon arrival at the hospital Monaldi in Naples. The young patient has spent nearly two months in intensive care and is fighting for life in what has become a critical situation for the entire nation, capturing widespread public attention and sympathy.

This incident raises serious questions about the protocols in place for organ transport and the adequacy of training for medical professionals involved in such critical procedures. It highlights the need for stringent adherence to medical standards that ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients receiving organ transplants, as even minor deviations can lead to grave consequences. The boy's plight has resonated with many across Italy, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding lives through rigorous compliance with established healthcare practices in such delicate circumstances.