People were amazed by a viral video showcasing a large beating heart being transported for a transplant. Organ transfers, including hearts, are commonly moved between hospitals for life-saving surgeries. Recent data from NHS Blood and Transplant indicated a record high of 8,096 patients on the transplant waiting list, including 276 children.
For long-distance transfers, organ transplants can be transported via commercial flights or chartered private jets, while shorter journeys may involve ambulances or helicopters. In the case of heart transplants, a ‘Heart in a Box’ device is often utilized to maintain the organ’s function outside the body.
In a unique occurrence, Julio, an aviation worker, shared a TikTok video featuring a beating heart in a ‘Heart in a Box’ about to be flown via a private jet. The video captured the heart beating audibly within the device on the runway, with an ambulance present at the scene for initial transportation.
The video gained significant attention, amassing over 3 million likes and nearly 20,000 comments. Viewers expressed shock and awe at witnessing the live beating heart, with some finding it frightening and others marveling at the science behind organ transportation.
Commenters were particularly struck by the heart’s size, with many surprised by its dimensions. Some questioned the heart’s size relative to what they had imagined, highlighting the wonder of medical science in keeping the organ active during transit.
Acknowledging the significance of Julio’s role, viewers praised the vital nature of transporting organs for life-saving procedures, with some drawing parallels to fictional medical dramas like Grey’s Anatomy.