Family Seeks Novel Autopsy Expert in Domenico Caliendo Transplant Case

Naples, Italy – The family of Domenico Caliendo, the young boy who died following a heart transplant in December 2023, has requested the recusal of Mauro Rinaldi, a professor of cardiac surgery at the University of Turin, from the upcoming autopsy. The request was filed with the investigating judge of the Naples court, Mariano Sorrentino, by the family’s lawyer, Francesco Petruzzi.

Concerns Over Impartiality

Petruzzi’s request centers on concerns about Rinaldi’s impartiality. According to the lawyer, Rinaldi publicly expressed his opinion on the case in the ten days prior to his appointment to the autopsy team and is a co-author of a scientific publication with Marisa De Feo, the director of the heart transplant department at the hospital where the transplant took place and who is currently under investigation.

Autopsy Team and Investigation

Professor Rinaldi was appointed as part of a three-member team tasked with conducting the autopsy, alongside Luca Lorini, director of the Department of Emergency, Urgency and Critical Area at Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo and Biagio Solarino, associate professor of Legal Medicine at the University of Bari. The autopsy was ordered as part of a broader investigation into the circumstances surrounding Domenico Caliendo’s death after receiving a heart that was found to be damaged during transport.

Hospital Climate

Recent testimonies have revealed a reportedly tense atmosphere within the cardiac surgery department at Monaldi Hospital in Naples. A female perfusion technician, who was present during the transplant attempt, described a “conflictual climate” created by the department head, Dr. Oppido, leading to a significant number of staff departures in recent years.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

The investigating judge granted the Prosecutor’s Office’s request for the autopsy as part of a probative incident. The family’s request for recusal raises questions about the objectivity of the investigation and the potential for conflicts of interest.