Successful Pig Heart Transplant at University of Maryland School of Medicine
New reports indicate that a 58-year-old man underwent a pig heart transplant at the University of Maryland School of Medicine last month. The groundbreaking procedure has shown positive results so far, with no signs of organ rejection.
Rebuilding Strength through Therapy
A recently released video showcases Lawrence Fawcett’s inspiring journey as he works with a physical therapist to regain his strength. Fawcett, who was previously suffering from heart failure underwent the transplant on September 20, after being deemed ineligible for a human heart transplant due to other health conditions.
Prior Attempts and Improved Virus Testing
This is not the first time University of Maryland doctors have attempted a pig heart transplant. In a previous case, David Bennett received a pig heart transplant but tragically passed away after only two months. While it is believed that a pig virus might have contributed to his death, the exact cause remains undetermined. In order to prevent similar complications, the medical team conducted more thorough virus testing on Mr. Fawcett’s new heart before performing the transplant.
Other Transplantations and the Demand for Organs
Furthering the exploration of animal-to-human organ transplantation, a research team at NYU Langone Health successfully transplanted pig hearts into two recently deceased individuals who were connecting on ventilators for survival. This avenue of research has gained popularity due to the persistent organ shortage the US faces, as demand exceeds supply, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Challenge of Xenotransplantation
While scientists have been striving to develop effective organ transplantation techniques for decades, success has been limited. Typically, when an animal organ is introduced into the human body, the immune system swiftly eliminates the foreign tissue. Overcoming this immune response has been a major hurdle in xenotransplantation.
Promising Signs of Recovery
However, in the case of Lawrence Fawcett, there have been no indications of his body rejecting the transplanted heart. A spokesman for the hospital reported that Mr. Fawcett is already able to stand and is receiving rehabilitation support from physical therapists to regain his ability to walk.
According to Mohamed Mohieldin, the director of the heart transplant program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, “His heart is doing everything on its own.” This encourages progress fuels hope and excitement for the future of xenotransplantation.
Source: Independent
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