In a stunning display of medical coordination, a live heart was transported through a green corridor in Delhi, offering a 59-year-old woman a second chance at life. In an extraordinary feat, the heart was moved from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla Road, in just 27 minutes, covering 20 kilometers between 3:30 AM and 3:57 AM.

The recipient, suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy—a severe heart condition that weakens the heart muscles—had endured debilitating symptoms for over a year. Despite a pacemaker being implanted in the past, her condition had worsened, leaving her with severe fatigue and bedridden. A heart transplant became her only hope for survival.

The heart came from a 43-year-old man from Nagpur, who tragically passed away from a brain stroke. In a truly selfless act, his family consented to organ donation, offering the recipient a life-saving gift. The heart was harvested at Kingsway Hospital, Nagpur, on December 9 and allocated by the National Organ Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO).

The donor heart’s journey began at 12:53 AM when it left Nagpur. Transported via air ambulance, it touched down in Delhi at 3:19 AM after covering more than 1,000 kilometers. Once it arrived, the green corridor came into play—ensuring the swift, uninterrupted transport of the heart to Fortis Escorts. By 3:57 AM, the heart was safely at the hospital, ready for the transplant.

The transplant was carried out by a skilled team of surgeons, led by Dr. Ritwick Raj Bhuyan and Dr. Milind Hote, both Directors of Adult Cardiac Surgery at Fortis Escorts. Dr. Bhuyan emphasized the smooth coordination between medical teams and authorities, saying, “This transplant wasn’t just a lifesaving intervention—it was a chance for a new beginning. With flawless teamwork, we ensured the heart arrived on time.”

Dr. Hote echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude to everyone involved: “It’s incredible to see what can be achieved when everyone comes together. Organ donation is one of the most generous acts anyone can perform, and we’re deeply thankful to the donor’s family for their courage.”

The recipient, who had waited over a decade for a suitable donor, is recovering well after the transplant. Dr. Vikram Aggarwal, Facility Director at Fortis Escorts, praised the Delhi Traffic Police for their role in ensuring the smooth transport of the heart through the green corridor. “Thanks to the coordination between the medical teams, authorities, and, most importantly, the donor’s family, we’ve been able to give this patient a new lease of life,” he said.

This heart transplant serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of organ donation and the impact of efficient medical coordination. It also highlights the critical role of green corridors in saving lives in urgent situations, showing just how much can be achieved when medical expertise and teamwork come together.