Second pig-to-human heart transplant death sparks concerns over xenotransplantation

Amid ongoing attempts to find alternatives in the field of medical science, another setback has occurred as Lawrence Faucette, a 58-year-old heart failure patient, passed away after receiving a genetically modified pig heart.

What happened

• The second individual to undergo a groundbreaking pig-to-human heart transplant died following the experimental procedure conducted at the University of Maryland Medical Center, according to AP.
• Lawrence Faucette, aged 58, who had been grappling with heart failure, received a genetically modified pig heart in an effort to find an alternative to traditional human heart transplants.

• For the initial month, the pig heart appeared to be functioning well within his body, but recent days saw signs of rejection, ultimately leading to Faucette's passing.
• This development comes after the previous patient, David Bennett, experienced complications and traces of pig-related viruses in his transplanted heart, leading to his demise two months post-surgery.

The risky game of xenotransplantation

Faucette's last wish was for his experience to benefit others by advancing the field of xenotransplantation, where organs or tissues from animals are transplanted into humans.

• After the surgery, the pig heart initially showed no signs of rejection for the first month.
• Faucette was even able to undergo physical therapy with the hope of regaining his ability to walk.
• Much like the first patient, David Bennett, who received a pig's heart, Faucette had been turned away from traditional human organ transplant programs due to his advanced heart failure and other complications.

Faucette's journey began on September 14 when he was admitted to the University of Maryland Medical Center, with his heart stopping shortly before the surgery, requiring resuscitation.

Medical centers across the country have been diligently working to advance xenotransplantation, seeking to address the shortage of human donor organs.

Kidney transplants are among the most needed, but the supply falls short, leading to thousands waiting on the list, and unfortunately, some not surviving the wait.