David Bennett Sr. from Maryland, was a 57-year-old man that needed a new heart. In January 2022, he received a pig's heart in a groundbreaking experiment surgery after being deemed as ineligible for conventional heart transplants. For roughly two months, the genetically modified heart of a pig kept Bennett Sr. alive.
Genetically Modified Pig's Heart Transplant Gives Out Two Months After First-of-its-Kind Surgery
Cardiovascular surgeons Susana Villar (C) and Elsa Rios (R) remove the faulty heart from a patient to implant another one from a donor, at an operating theatre in Puerta de Hierro University Hospital in Majadahonda, near Madrid, . - For a time-critical procedure that is heavily reliant on intensive care, the Covid pandemic and its explosion of desperately-ill patients has thrown up a barrage of complexities which Spain's world leading organ transplant experts have been forced to surmount. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) / THIS PICTURE MUST BE PUBLISHED UNDATED AT THE REQUEST OF THE HOSPITAL - TO GO WITH AFP STORY "For transplants, Covid complicates the race against time" by MARIE GIFFARD
Dr. Bartley Grifith, University of Maryland Medical Center's Director of Cardiac Transplant tells The New York Times moments after the surgery that the genetically modified pig heart created a pulse, created pressure, and is truly Bennette Sr's heart. Graffiti insists that the heart looked normal and functioned properly. He added that although the team was thrilled at the remarkable results of the first-of-its-kind surgery, they aren't sure of what tomorrow may bring.
Although the specific cause of death of Bennette wasn't divulged by the University of Maryland, they explained that his condition has been worsening for the past few days. David Bennette Sr. took his last breath at the medical center.
In a statement by the university. Dr. Bartley Griffith says that the team was extremely devastated by the loss and Bennett Sr. proved to be a noble and brave patient that fought up until the very end.
David Bennette Jr., the deceased's son, thanked the hospital and the surgeons for doing all they could do.
He wrote that they are grateful for the innovative moments, the crazy dreams, and the sleepless nights that went into the historic first-of-its-kind effort. Bennett Jr. adds that he hopes that new scientific understandings from his dad's surgery could benefit future surgery patients, and hopefully, one day, end the shortage of organs that costs numerous lives every year.
Breakthrough Surgery Gives Hope to Many
For many across the globe, the January transplant of David Bennett Sr. sparked hope that similar surgeries --known as xenotransplantation - could help a countless number of patients that are in dire need of new organs. According to an article by the Associated Press, there are more than 106,000 patients in America currently on the national waiting list for organ donations. Every year, thousands die before ever getting their needed organ.
Hence, when the experiment surgery transplanting a genetically modified pig's heart saved Bennett Sr's life, it was no doubt a cause of excitement for many. For weeks post-surgery, Bennett Sr. appeared to be getting better and better, the Maryland medical center posted numerous updates on his activities. In late February, a video of Bennett Sr. enjoying the Super Bowl and faintly singing the national anthem was posted.
On Wednesday, a University of Maryland School of Medicine spokesperson informed The Independent that was no obvious cause of Bennett Sr's death, with doctors continuing to review the situation. Adding then findings will be published in a scientific journal.
Although David Bennett's passing two months after his momentous experiment surgery many believe that this isn't the last time xenotransplantations will make headlines.
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