The Heart Institute performed Ukraine’s first pediatric lung transplantation

13‑year‑old Dana became the first child in Ukraine to undergo a lung transplantation. She had a congenital heart defect — a patent ductus arteriosus — which led to pulmonary hypertension. Dana had been on the waiting list for a long time and urgently needed donor lungs.

The transplantation was performed by Professor Borys Todurov, Director General of the Heart Institute of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, together with the Heart Institute team. The surgery lasted about eight hours: first, surgeons closed the duct between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, and then transplanted the lungs.

After surgery, Dana regained consciousness and began breathing on her own. She is now undergoing rehabilitation — already walking outside and enjoying time in the park.

The donor was only 11 years old. The child suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, and despite all efforts by doctors at Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital, it was not possible to save their life. A medical council confirmed brain death, and in that most difficult moment, the parents agreed to posthumous organ donation.

This decision made it possible to carry out life‑saving transplantations for two children.

Dana and Denys received a chance for a full life thanks to the decision of a deceased donor’s family and the professionalism of our transplant teams. 11‑year‑old Denys received a donor heart.