Watch: Paired liver transplants believed to be first in North America

One of the recipients of what’s believed to be North America’s first paired living liver donations is calling the stranger who saved his life an angel. Muhammad Khan, 54, is sharing his gratitude nearly one year after 38-year-old Kelly Bryan gave him more than half of her liver.

In turn, Khan’s wife, Hina, donated more than half of her liver to another stranger.

Officials with the University Health Network Transplant Program in Toronto say the four simultaneous surgeries took place July 9, 2018 and took 12 hours, four operating rooms and 28 staff and surgeons.

About 100 staff and doctors looked after the pairs before, during and after the surgeries.