Cyprus Times

2-Year-Old Boy Dies After Receiving Damaged Heart in Transplant

Published February 21, 2026, 12:07
2-Year-Old Boy Dies After Receiving Damaged Heart in Transplant

A two-year-old boy who underwent a heart transplant at the Monaldi Hospital in Naples has died in the early hours of Friday. His health condition deteriorated rapidly, making it impossible to replace the problematic graft. The tragic incident began two months ago when, during the transplant, the heart transported from Bolzano arrived damaged at the hospital, having been transported in a dry ice box. Despite the poor condition of the graft, doctors proceeded with the transplant as the boy's own heart had already been removed. The medical error came to light through journalistic investigations, forcing the hospital to admit its responsibilities. The case has sparked strong reactions and questions about the procedures for transporting and evaluating grafts.