ISMETT

What if I told you that right here in Palermo exists a medical marvel, a beacon of hope for patients across the Mediterranean? This is ISMETT, the Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione, a place where cutting-edge medical science meets compassionate care. ISMETT’s story begins in 1997, born from a unique partnership between the Region of Sicily and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). This collaboration brought world-renowned expertise to Palermo, establishing a transplant center of excellence. ISMETT specializes in all types of organ transplants, utilizing both deceased and living donor techniques. The facility itself is impressive, boasting 70 beds, multiple operating rooms, and state-of-the-art laboratories. ISMETT isn’t just about transplants. It’s a hub for advanced specialized therapies and groundbreaking research. In 2007, they opened the “Cell Factory,” a unit dedicated to regenerative medicine and cell therapy. They are exploring innovative treatments like injecting fetal hepatocytes to support patients awaiting liver transplants. ISMETT also houses a Center for Simulation, where medical professionals can hone their skills on life-sized mannequins, reducing the risk of errors in real-life scenarios. ISMETT achieved a remarkable milestone in 2001. Dr. Ignazio Marino, the first director of ISMETT, performed the first living donor transplant into an HIV-positive patient in Italy. This bold move sparked controversy, but the patient’s long-term survival ultimately led to a change in Italian law, granting HIV-positive patients access to transplantation. ISMETT continues to push the boundaries of medical innovation. In 2007, they performed the world’s first lung transplant on an HIV-positive patient. ISMETT stands as a testament to international collaboration and the relentless pursuit of medical advancement, offering hope and healing to those in need.