Faucette has not shown signs of rejecting the new organ.
Lawrence Faucette is the second patient to receive a genetically modified pig heart transplant.
The pig heart was genetically modified to remove certain sugars that could trigger an immune response in humans.
The procedure was approved by the FDA under a 'compassionate use' exception.
The procedure was carried out at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
A second patient, Lawrence Faucette, has successfully undergone a heart transplant using a genetically modified pig heart. The procedure was carried out at the University of Maryland Medical Center, following the first successful transplant of this kind in January 2023. The patient is reportedly doing well and has not shown signs of rejecting the new organ. The pig heart was genetically modified to remove certain sugars that could trigger an immune response in humans. The procedure was approved by the FDA under a 'compassionate use' exception, as the patient was ineligible for a human heart transplant and had no other treatment options. The success of this second transplant is seen as a promising step forward in the field of xenotransplantation, potentially opening up new avenues for organ transplantation in the future. However, it is important to note that this is still an experimental procedure and further research and trials are needed to establish its safety and efficacy.
The first patient to receive a pig heart transplant, David Bennett, passed away two months after the procedure. His death was not due to organ rejection, but rather complications related to his other medical conditions. The University of Maryland Medical Center has stated that they are learning from each procedure and making adjustments as necessary. The success of the second transplant suggests that the procedure may be a viable option for patients who are ineligible for human heart transplants, but further study is needed.