Toddler dies after transplanted heart damaged by dry ice in Italy, 6 probed

A two-year-old Italian boy has died after a heart transplant went wrong when the donated organ was allegedly damaged by dry ice during transport, sparking national outrage and a criminal investigation.

Domenico underwent the transplant at Naples' Monaldi Hospital in late December. The heart was transported about 800 kilometers from Bolzano in the north to Naples, a journey lasting eight hours. During transport, the organ was reportedly mistakenly packed with dry ice instead of regular ice, causing the temperature to plummet and severely damaging the tissue.

No thermometer was included in the transport container, preventing medical staff from detecting the critical condition of the organ.

Despite being kept alive on life support for nearly two months, a pediatric specialist team assessed that Domenico's body could not withstand a second transplant. Prolonged reliance on external life support had damaged his lungs, liver, and kidneys. The hospital described his deterioration on Saturday morning as "sudden and irreversible."

His mother Patrizia Mercolino, who had sought help for her son including a blessing from the Pope, vowed to establish a foundation in his name to assist families affected by medical errors and children awaiting organ transplants.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed condolences on social media, promising a thorough investigation. Health Minister Orazio Schillaci stressed the need to clarify how the accident occurred to ensure safety and transparency in the healthcare system.

Prosecutors have officially placed six medical staff involved in the transport and surgical procedure under investigation.