Recipient of Second Experimental Pig Heart Transplant Dies After Six Weeks
Lawrence Faucette, the second individual to undergo a transplant with a genetically modified pig heart, has passed away six weeks post-surgery. The University of Maryland Medical Center, where the pioneering operation took place, revealed that the heart had begun demonstrating rejection signs in the days leading up to his death.
Dr. Bartley Griffith, the clinical director of the Cardiac Xenotransplantation Program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the surgeon behind the groundbreaking procedure, expressed deep sorrow at Faucette's passing. “Mr. Faucette's final wish was for us to utilize our insights from this experience to better future patients requiring heart transplants. He conveyed his love to the medical team before his demise. His absence will be deeply felt,” he said.
58-year-old Faucette sought treatment at UMMC on September 14 due to heart failure symptoms. His underlying heart ailment and other health issues rendered him unsuitable for a conventional human heart transplant. Left with no other alternatives, he placed his hopes on the xenotransplant. Days before the operation, Faucette shared his sentiments, stating, “The xenotransplant, the pig heart, remains my sole lingering hope.”
His wife, Ann Faucette, remarked on their modest aspirations, “All we yearn for is more moments together, even if it's merely enjoying coffee on our porch.”
Initially, Faucette's recovery appeared promising. He was actively engaging in physical therapy and cherished moments with his family. A month after the operation, medical evaluations indicated optimal heart performance, leading to the cessation of heart-supporting medications. “Presently, we've found no signs of infections or rejection,” noted Dr. Griffith then.
To counter potential organ rejection, Faucette was administered a novel antibody treatment aimed at enhancing immune suppression. It's worth noting that organ rejection is a prevalent complication even in conventional human-to-human transplants.
Reflecting on her husband's journey, Ann expressed gratitude to UMMC's staff, “Larry embarked on this with utmost trust in Dr. Griffith and his team. Aware of his limited time, he saw this as his final gesture of contribution.”
As per federal data, over 113,000 individuals await organ transplants, with over 3,300 specifically requiring a heart. Donate Life America highlights the pressing need, stating that 17 individuals perish daily awaiting organ donations.
UMMC's first attempt at this experimental procedure took place in January 2022 on 57-year-old David Bennett. He passed away two months post-surgery. Despite no initial rejection signs, post-mortem investigations attributed his death to heart failure stemming from multiple factors, including his pre-surgical health. A study in the Lancet additionally hinted at a previously undetected pig virus presence.
