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It is the second successful transplant of a pig heart into a human. Unlike the first one last year, the patient is still alive – and doing well.
Terminally ill US Navy veteran Lawrence Faucette (58) received the new heart on Wednesday from surgeons at the University of Maryland Medical Center in the US. On Friday, the hospital said in a statement that the recipient “is currently breathing on his own and his heart is functioning properly without the support of supportive devices.”
Faucette had a very high chance of death. A traditional heart transplant was not an option due to other health problems. Now he has received a genetically modified pig heart and can make medical history.
“I just have to keep shaking my head”
The first experimental intervention of this type in 2022 failed. Patient David Bennet (†57) died two months after the transplant.
According to the surgical team, Faucette’s signs of recovery are extremely good. Even the surgeon in charge of the operation, Bartley Griffith, “kept shaking his head. How come I’m talking to someone who has a pig’s heart?” Griffith told the AP.
Only two days after the procedure, heart patient Faucette was able to sit alone in a chair again. The next few weeks will be crucial to see how the body adapts to the new animal organ.
Genetically modified heart
Ten genes were changed in the pig, including three genes that were completely ‘turned off’ to prevent serious organ rejection. Another pig gene was modified to control the growth of the pig heart. At the same time, human genes were inserted into the pig genome to increase acceptance by the immune system.
Doctors are also treating Faucette with experimental antibody therapy to further suppress the patient’s immune system and prevent heart rejection. (kes)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
