way .” The pancreas produces insulin and other enzymes that play a role in breaking down food and regulating the body ’ s sugar levels , functions that affect diabetes . A kidney failure patient who also has diabetes may be a candidate for a pancreas transplant , which is almost always done in conjunction with a kidney transplant . “ It ’ s very labor-intensive ,” Dr . Lappin says . “ Everything has to be done just right .” After the transplant , patients will have greater control over their glucose , which will greatly minimize the effects of their diabetes . “ When it works , it ’ s transformative ,” she says .
Heart transplantation Heart transplantation is also growing at Temple , with plans to offer this highly complex and specialized care to patients as far away as 150 miles . However , the transplant team cannot be as aggressive with heart transplantation as with kidneys , because patients are often much sicker than patients on dialysis . “ You don ’ t have the same flexibility with heart transplants as you do with kidneys , because the heart has to work right away ,” Dr . Kaplan says .
Dr . Sai-Sudhakar says surgeons plan to do 15 to 20 heart transplants this fiscal year , compared to other hospital centers that typically do 10 to 12 . In the next few years , he anticipates the team will perform 18 to 20 heart transplants a year to meet the needs of an aging population in Central Texas .
The heart transplant program also encompasses implanting mechanical devices to keep the heart pumping . These include LVADs ( left ventricular assist devices ) and ECMO ( extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ), which keeps the lungs as well as the heart functioning . These devices are often used as a bridge to transplant , and within the next two years Dr . Sai-Sudhakar plans to add a total artificial heart program as
— HOW PHILANTHROPY CAN HELP —
As a not-for-profit health care system , Baylor Scott & White relies on philanthropic gifts to continue to provide enhanced clinical services , state-of-the-art facilities and equipment , high-quality medical education , and innovative research . “ Every dollar given has a direct impact on our patients , staff , and communities ,” says Lori Luppino , director of philanthropy for the Temple region . “ Our donors play an essential role in the success of the programs and projects they choose to give to .”
Your generous gifts can help the transplant program in three ways :
• Purchase the most advanced equipment to outfit the new operating rooms in the Surgical Sciences Building , scheduled to open next year . There is currently a challenge grant underway that will match every dollar given up to $ 1 million .
• Fund research initiatives , such as cross-matching to reduce organ rejection in higher-risk transplant cases , under the direction of Dr . Pando .
• Assist patients with expenses associated with transplantation , such as travel and hotel costs for the patients and their families .
For more information about how you can help , please contact Lori Luppino at 254-724-1836 or Lori . Luppino @ BSWHealth . org .
18 THE CATALYST Fall 17 | bswhealth . com