Ohio Grandfather Celebrates Life After Rare Triple Organ Transplant at Cleveland Clinic

CLEVELAND, OHIO — Don Elliot, a 64-year-old grandfather of 18, is celebrating his recovery and newfound vitality after undergoing a rare and complex triple organ transplant at Cleveland Clinic. The historic procedure, performed on February 15 and 16, 2024, included the transplant of two lungs, a liver, and a kidney, all from the same deceased donor. Elliot is the fourth person in the United States and the first in Ohio to undergo this life-saving operation.

Don before transplant at Cleveland Clinic (left) and after transplant (right). (Courtesy: Don Elliott)

For over two decades, Elliot managed alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition that caused severe cirrhosis, emphysema, and ultimately, kidney failure. His declining health led him to Cleveland Clinic as a last resort in September 2023. “I’ve been sick for quite a while, but in September 2023, it got really bad,” Elliot said. Despite the challenges, he remained determined to fight for his life, especially for his family.

Elliot’s care team, which included experts in lung, liver, and kidney transplantation, concluded that a triple organ transplant was his best chance for survival. “We felt confident we could perform all three procedures successfully based on the skills of the various teams,” said Dr. Kenneth McCurry, Program and Surgical Director of Lung and Heart/Lung Transplantation at Cleveland Clinic, who led the lung transplant portion of the operation. “We felt comfortable we could take care of Don afterward.”

The surgery was meticulously coordinated, with each step involving a specialized team. The procedure began slightly before 5 p.m. on February 15 with the lung transplantation. While surgeons worked on Elliot’s lungs, the donated liver was kept viable using an ex vivo organ perfusion device, ensuring proper temperature and oxygenation. After the lung transplant was completed, the liver transplantation team took over, finishing by 5 a.m. the following morning. Elliot was then monitored in the intensive care unit before undergoing the kidney transplant later that day.

Don at a follow-up appointment with Dr. Sehgal. (Courtesy: Cleveland Clinic)

The combined surgeries lasted 24 hours, followed by a challenging recovery period. Elliot spent six weeks in the hospital, including one week on life support. A temporary tracheostomy was performed to aid his lung recovery, and he gradually regained strength with the support of his wife, Jill, and the medical team. “I couldn’t have done this without Jill and the entire Cleveland Clinic team,” Elliot said.

Dr. McCurry praised Elliot’s resilience, noting, “Overall, Don did extremely well given the complexity and magnitude of these procedures. His lung and liver function were good throughout, and his kidney function ultimately recovered.”

Today, Elliot is enjoying life in ways that were previously unimaginable. In July, he vacationed in Florida, walking along the beach and breathing without supplemental oxygen for the first time in years. “I can breathe easily, I can walk every day, and I’m chasing the grandkids around,” Elliot said. “I’m able to enjoy life, and I have my donor and their family to thank for this priceless gift and opportunity.”

The success of Elliot’s transplant underscores the importance of organ donation. “This is a lot to get through, and he’s getting stronger every day, trying to get back to as much of a regular life as possible,” said Dr. Sameep Sehgal, one of Elliot’s pulmonologists. “Don has really benefitted from the donor and their family’s generous decision to support organ donation.”