First COVID-19 organ transplant in Colorado a success

AURORA, Colo. (KRDO) -- Doctors are now performing organ transplants to save patients who have suffered long-term damage after battling COVID-19.

Doctors at UCHealth in Aurora performed the first COVID-19 transplant in Colorado on April 12.

The man, Bryan Raymond, 37, is a father of four from Montana. He's now in recovery and will be monitored by doctors over the next three months.

His lung transplant surgeon, Dr. Robert Meguid, is hopeful in his recovery.

“He has a tough hill to climb, but he has all the resources to succeed,” Meguid said. “He has every reason to do it. He is totally a fighter and a survivor.”

Doctors say it's too early to know if these types of transplants will become commonplace, but they could. According to health officials, organ damage can take months to diagnose and treat after a COVID infection.

Read more on Raymond's transplant and the doctors that helped save his life by clicking here.