Groundbreaking Surgery Provides New Hope to Heart Patient
Sue Baker’s journey through heart disease is a testament to resilience and innovation in medical science. Diagnosed with heart problems in 2015, Baker faced a series of challenges that would lead her to become part of a historical medical procedure. After years of living under the burden of chronic heart issues and relying on devices like a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to sustain her life, Baker found herself needing a heart transplant.
A Long Struggle with Heart Issues
Initially, Baker managed her condition with a pacemaker, but as her heart function deteriorated, more advanced interventions became necessary. In 2019, she received an LVAD, a mechanical pump designed to assist the left ventricle in distributing blood throughout her body. Although the device prolonged her life, it came with painful shocks and ultimately left Baker in a precarious position as her body began producing excessive antibodies, complicating her eligibility for a transplant.
“For years, I lived on batteries and electricity,” Baker shared, but despite her struggles, she did not give up on living life to the fullest, even marrying the love of her life and starting a family in Southeast Georgia.
A Novel Surgical Approach
Eventually, out of desperation and following extensive assessments at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, Baker was admitted to the transplant list. The toll on her body was severe, and her situation became critical. When transplant cardiologist Dr. Pareg Patel proposed a pioneering solution involving a combined heart-liver transplant, Baker was faced with an unusual choice, one that had never been done successfully in a patient with an LVAD.
“It was going to be an experiment,” Baker noted, understanding that this option was her best chance at life.
The Historic Operation
The dual-transplant approach is designed to mitigate the antibody overload by incorporating a new liver alongside Baker’s heart. The liver effectively acts like a filter, helping to reduce the antibodies that could threaten the success of the transplant. On a pivotal day in September 2024, Baker learned that her wait was over, and she was approved for the surgery.
Post-surgery, Baker’s recovery was filled with challenges, including battling pneumonia and COVID-19. However, she found strength and comfort in her interactions with fellow patients, providing them with hope and encouragement during their own battles.
Life After the Transplant
While Baker was grateful for her new lease on life, tragedy struck shortly after her recovery when she lost her husband to sudden cardiac arrest. She now faces financial difficulties due to ongoing medical expenses and the costs associated with regular check-ups at the Mayo Clinic. A GoFundMe campaign has garnered limited support, and she is relying heavily on her faith community for assistance.
“This journey has been intensely difficult, yet it gives me hope that my experience can lead to better treatments for others,” Baker expressed, emphasizing her desire to pave the way for future patients seeking similar transplants.
Impact on Future Patients
Following Baker’s groundbreaking surgery, medical teams at the Mayo Clinic are already considering additional cases involving heart-liver transplants, with promises of expanded opportunities for patients who may have once been considered untreatable. Baker’s story stands not only as a personal triumph but as a beacon of progress in the field of organ transplantation.
| Patient | Procedure | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sue Baker | Heart-Liver Transplant | Recovering |
| Upcoming Patient 1 | Heart-Liver Transplant | Pending |
| Upcoming Patient 2 | Heart-Liver Transplant | Pending |
Dr. Patel highlights Baker’s contribution to medical advancement, stating, “If it weren’t for her, these other two patients would have no opportunity.” Baker reflects on her journey with bittersweet gratitude, excited that her case could transform the lives of many others facing dire medical circumstances.
