MUSChealth.org/heart | 5 MUSC HEALTH HEART & VASCULAR CENTER Traditionally, organ donors are individuals who have no neurological function; they are considered “brain dead.” However, organs from DCD donors are available after a patient meets the criteria for circulatory death once life-sustaining assistance stops. The decision to donate is sometimes a tough one for families, but an increasing number of people are opting to give back as DCD donors. Of the 135 centers nationwide performing heart transplants, MUSC Health Heart & Vascular Center is one of only about 20 that work with DCD heart donors. “I share the surgical team’s pride,” Dr. Kilic said as he reflected back on the historic night. “For the transplant to unfold as seamlessly as it did, there was months of behind-the-scenes work, collaboration and support from administrative leadership. Ultimately, we were able to put an end to the long wait for an organ for our patient and gave him a new chapter in life.” These days, Norman and Lillie are taking care of each other in their Kingstree, South Carolina, home about 80 miles north of Charleston. Norman enjoys watching “Gunsmoke” and auto mechanic shows until he can move around a little more easily. He still loves “all food, especially rice and meat,” but he listens more to Lillie when she said, “we’re having more vegetables – peas, cabbage and broccoli.” Their advice to anyone with heart concerns: “Get to MUSC Health. Then pray and relax,” said Norman. “Pray and exercise. That’s what you really need to do,” Lillie added. Dr. Arman Kilic is the John M. Kratz Endowed Chair in Cardiac Surgery in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at MUSC. He serves as the surgical director of the Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Program. He is board-certified in both cardiothoracic surgery and general surgery. Dr. Kilic’s clinical practice encompasses the entire spectrum of heart surgery for adults, including coronary artery bypass surgery, valve repair or replacement, heart transplantation and ventricular assist devices. He has particular expertise in high-risk operations, advanced coronary surgery techniques including off-pump and multi-arterial coronary bypass surgery, surgery for heart failure and minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Kilic left in operating room performing a Heart Transplant “Ultimately, we were able to put an end to the long wait for an organ for our patient and gave him a new chapter in life.”
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