Scientists have transplanted a genetically modified pig heart into a 58-year-old man, the latest milestone in a growing field of medical research.
Xenotransplantation, the transplanting of animal organs into humans, could offer a solution to the chronic shortage of human organ donations.
The transplant was carried out by experts from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The patient, Lawrence Faucette, was ineligible for a donated human heart due to pre-existing vascular disease and internal bleeding complications.
“My only real hope left is to go with the pig heart, the xenotransplant, At least now I have hope, and I have a chance,” Lawrence said
Without the experimental transplant, Faucette was facing near-certain heart failure.
Following the transplant, Faucette was breathing on his own and the new heart was functioning well.
Xenotransplants are challenging because the patient’s immune system will attack the foreign organ.
Scientists are trying to circumvent the problem by using organs from genetically modified pigs.
Current efforts focus on pigs, which are thought to be ideal donors for humans because of their organ size, their rapid growth and large litters, and the fact they are already raised as a food source.
