Oregon Patient Gets Heart for Christmas

PORTLAND, Ore. — Daniel V. Acker received a new heart for Christmas at the Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital.

Acker, 25, of Hillsboro, was listed in “critical but stable condition” late Wednesday. Doctors said that without the operation, he would not have lived another 48 hours.

“He was in and out of a stupor, and because of his severe deterioriating condition, Acker had been in the CCU (cardiopulomary care unit) for the last four days,” said Dr. Adnan Cobanoglu, who led the surgery team.

Hospital spokeswoman Lee Lewis said the donor heart was obtained from a “distant site.” The donor’s identity was not disclosed.