Swiss Man’s Joyful Reunion: New Hands After 17 Years!

Quick Smiles:

• A Swiss man, Luka Kriszanac, regains his hands after 17 years through a groundbreaking double hand transplant.
• The intricate procedure was performed at a leading center for hand transplantation.
• Kriszanac expresses profound gratitude to the donor family for transforming his life and his family’s.

When Luka Kriszanac returned to the medical center where his surgery took place, the atmosphere was filled with joy and handshakes. This was particularly significant, as Luka had just undergone a “vascularized composite allotransplantation,” commonly known as a double hand transplant.

He is among only five individuals who have experienced this life-altering procedure at this renowned center for hand transplantation.

At just 12 years old, a severe case of undiagnosed strep throat led to a life-threatening sepsis infection for Kriszanac. This resulted in the amputation of both his legs and hands.

“Regaining hands after 17 years, I don’t think there is a bigger dream than that,” he shared. He expressed deep gratitude to the donor’s family, acknowledging, “they changed not just my life but my family’s life forever.”

In 2018, after learning about the hand transplant program, Kriszanac began collaborating with a team to assess his transplant eligibility. L. Scott Levin and Benjamin Chang were pivotal figures in the surgical team that awaited a suitable donor.

“You do 1,001 activities every day with your hands. Prosthetics cannot simulate or replace that,” said Levin, highlighting the importance of the procedure. He proudly noted the team’s pioneering achievements, including the first transatlantic hand transplant and the first for a patient without lower extremities.

The journey faced delays due to pandemic-related restrictions, but in 2024, the Gift of Life program finally found a matching donor for Kriszanac.

The matching process is complex, requiring a similar genetic and blood profile, muscle and bone density, skin color, and donor age.

In the middle of the night last autumn, a 10-hour surgery commenced. One team prepared Kriszanac, while another worked with the deceased donor in the operating room.

Upon waking, Kriszanac was amazed by the outcome. Today, through rehabilitation, he can perform various tasks like typing on a smartphone, holding objects, and even feeling temperature changes.

Despite these advancements, Kriszanac will maintain lifelong contact with the medical center due to the extensive rehabilitation and potential complications. This unique transatlantic relationship continues even after his return to Zurich.

“When we take this on, we are their doctors and caregivers forever,” Levin remarked, emphasizing the enduring bond between the medical team and their patients. “If they have a problem with rejection or another medical problem, we’re the first to hear about it, and we spring into action.”

In June, Kriszanac’s return to the center was marked by gratitude and joy, a testament to the transformative power of modern medicine.

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