Rare 'Flipped Organs' Condition Leads to Double-Lung Transplants for 2 Patients
Two patients in Illinois, Dennis Deer and Yahaira Vega, who were born with the rare genetic condition situs inversus, have successfully undergone double-lung transplants. Situs inversus causes organs in the chest and abdomen to develop in a reversed or mirrored position. Vega also had primary ciliary dyskinesia, which led to mucus build-up in her airways. Both patients received their transplants at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, with Vega's operation taking place on April 28 and Deer's on May 22. The surgeries were complex due to the mirror-image nature of their bodies, but the patients are now experiencing improved health and are grateful for their new lease on life.