Breath of Life: Sheba’s Revolutionary Lung Transplant Saves IDF Soldier

After being critically injured in Gaza, an IDF fighter in the armored corps was rushed to Soroka Hospital with a grievous lung injury. Swiftly connected to life support, including the ECMO device, he faced an arduous 70-day battle for survival. At Soroka, the doctors made every effort to save him. In the end, the realization dawned that in his case they would probably have to reach a bold solution, which had never been done before in such a situation: a lung transplant.

Sheba accepted the challenge, swiftly orchestrating the soldier’s transfer to Sheba while he remained connected to life support. There, he would be prepared for the transplant surgery. Dr. Liran Levy, head of Sheba’s lung transplant service, described the operation as exceptionally complex given the soldier’s severe condition.

Battlefield to Recovery

This pioneering surgery marks a significant milestone not only for the soldier but also for medical science. After enduring a 10-hour procedure, the soldier’s successful transplantation offers promise for others facing similar challenges. Dr. Levy highlighted the extensive efforts and collaboration involved in making this operation a reality. The soldier’s journey reflects the tireless dedication of medical teams at Soroka Hospital and Sheba Medical Center. Dr. Uri Galanta, a senior physician at Soroka, emphasized the exhaustive measures taken to save the soldier’s life before pursuing transplantation.

As the soldier embarks on his recovery journey, his story inspires hope and resilience in the face of adversity, and serves as a beacon of hope for others grappling with life-altering injuries. In the realm of medical science, breakthroughs like this remind us that with dedication, collaboration, and unwavering determination, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges.