Gabriella Farina, the cardiac surgeon from Naples’ Monaldi Hospital, has publicly defended her role in the controversial heart transplant that led to the death of two-year-old Domenico on February 21, 2026. Farina, under investigation along with six other medical professionals, insists that the procedure in Bolzano was conducted “in a calm atmosphere and in accordance with protocols”.
Through her lawyers, Dario Gagliano and Anna Ziccardi, Farina criticized Austrian colleagues, stating that the cardiac team in Bolzano provided solid carbon dioxide—mistakenly referred to as dry ice—instead of conventional ice for transporting the organ. “It is peculiar that the position of the operating room staff is not considered,” her legal team said, highlighting that the substance is visually indistinguishable from normal ice but can cause severe burns. Farina emphasizes she never handled the dry ice directly.
The defense also challenges reports portraying the Neapolitan team as unprepared, arguing that the depiction unfairly contrasts their efforts with the supposed efficiency of Austrian medical staff. “The public debate should not fall into territorial stereotypes,” the lawyers stated, referencing confirmations from the Innsbruck team that the procedure largely respected protocol.
Meanwhile, Monaldi’s chief surgeon, Guido Oppido, has been suspended without pay for allegedly implanting a damaged organ on December 23. Farina herself faces a one-month suspension.
Be the first to comment