Feb 26 • 07:35 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El Mundo

The father of the Italian boy who died after being transplanted with a 'burned' heart: 'It was in a portable cooler'

The father of two-year-old Domenico, who died after a heart transplant in Naples, expresses his grief and anger over the situation surrounding the organ's mishandling.

Antonio Caliendo, the father of two-year-old Domenico, who tragically died following a heart transplant in Naples, is grappling with immense grief and frustration after revelations about the mishandling of the donor organ. Reports indicate that the so-called 'burned' heart was improperly stored in a portable cooler with dry ice, leading to significant damage to the organ before the transplant. The situation has sparked an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the procedure and the care the organ received prior to the transplant.

Caliendo describes the overwhelming emotions he has experienced since his son's diagnosis and subsequent death, reflecting on the rapid decline of his family's wellbeing. Just hours before Domenico was admitted for treatment, Caliendo lost his father, compounding the family's grief. He reveals that he has been unable to work, struggling with the emotional toll that this series of events has taken on him and his family. His wife, Patrizia, is concerned for his well-being and has kept him away from the press to prevent his anger from escalating.

This heartbreaking situation raises critical questions about medical protocols and the handling of donor organs in Italy. As investigations proceed, families affected by similar incidents may seek justice and answers. The story of Domenico serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of proper medical care during such delicate procedures, particularly for vulnerable young patients.

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