Jakarta –
A second person who received a pig heart transplant died nearly six weeks after undergoing surgery. Lawrence Faucette, 58, underwent a transplant on September 20 because he had end-stage heart disease.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, which performed the procedure, Faucette’s heart appeared healthy in the first month. However, his heart started showing rejection over the last few days and he died on Monday.
“We mourn the loss of Faucette, an extraordinary patient, scientist, Navy veteran and head of household who just wanted to spend more time with his wife, son and family,” said Bartley P Griffith, MD, who performed the surgery, quoted from official page University of Maryland, Wednesday (1/11/2023).
“Faucette’s final request is that we make the most of what we have learned from our experience,” he continued.
Previously, Faucette had been rejected from undergoing a traditional heart transplant procedure because his condition was considered ineligible. Faucette’s illness was in an advanced stage and on September 15 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency authorization for the procedure in the hope of extending his life.
After the operation was carried out, Faucette’s condition improved and did not show resistance during the first month. He underwent physical therapy and worked to restore his ability to walk again.
“He knew his time with us was short, and this was his last chance to do something for others. He never imagined he would survive as long as he did, or provide so much data for the xenotransplantation program,” said Lawrence’s wife Ann Faucette.
“He was a man who always thought about other people, especially me and his two sons,” he continued.
Attempts at animal-to-human organ transplantation or xenotransplantation have failed for decades. This condition is caused by the human immune system which immediately destroys foreign tissue that enters the body.
Finally, the scientists used pig hearts that were genetically modified to be more similar to human organs.
Watch Video “World’s Second Pig Heart Transplant Patient Dies”
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2023-11-01 07:01:19
#Doctors #Reveal #Death #Pig #Heart #Transplant #Recipients
