A woman in New Jersey who just had a few weeks left to live underwent a pioneering, life-saving, two-part operation wherein she received both a pig kidney transplant and a heart device implant. She is the world's second person to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant.
Pig Kidney Transplant, Heart Device Implant
54-year-old Lisa Pisano was getting sicker due to kidney failure and congestive heart. Hers made her unable to receive the usual organ transplant.
It was also discovered before her procedure that Pisano had high harmful antibody levels, making it hard for her to find a human kidney transplant match.
However, as she was running out of options, doctors from NYU Langone Health were able to devise a pioneering two-part operation that involved implanting a mechanical pump to maintain heartbeat and, after days, transplanting a genetically modified pig kidney.
Pisano's surgery went well. According to doctors, her transplanted kidney began to make urine almost immediately. Pisano also began to walk, which was nearly impossible for her to pull off before her operation.
Pisano is just the second pig kidney transplant recipient, with the first case happening just last month in Massachusetts General Hospital. The woman is also the first one to undergo a two-part operation for the animal organ transplant and heart procedures.
According to the team, there have been no documented cases where anyone who got a mechanical heart pump also received any kind of organ transplant.
Genetically Modified Pig Organs For Human Transplant
This transplant case is the latest one in the developing efforts to make use of genetically modified pigs to address the persistent organ shortage for transplants. There are over 103,000 on the waitlist for organ transplants, and 17 end up passing away each day due to being unable to receive one.
Dr. Robert Montgomery, who runs the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, where the operation was conducted, explains that a new universe of transplantation has been entered. This could be an unlimited and sustainable organ source that is transformative.
The organs typically come from genetically modified pigs to reduce the risk of rejection within the human body, spreading viruses, or triggering other health complications.
While several specialists are excited about the developments, concerns regarding the efforts have also sparked. Some doctors worry that such transplants could cause viruses to spread to humans. Some critics are not comfortable with the idea of breeding thousands of genetically modified animals for slaughter just for their organs. Some also worry about how vulnerable patients could be used for the experiments.
Bioethicist Karen Maschke of the Hastings Center explains that though the procedure is landmark, various other issues require discussion.
Beyond Pisano's case, further research is necessary before using genetically modified pig organs. Dr Montgomery explains that it is still early and that there is still a lot to be learned and perfected.
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