A patient who became the first person to have his heart replaced with that of a genetically modified pig has died - two months after the unorthodox surgery took place.
David Bennett was able to receive the experimental surgery on January 7 after being deemed ineligible for receive a more conventional heart transplant.
The 57-year-old was able to speak to family over the two months that followed before his condition deteriorated earlier this week.
Doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Centre confirmed that he had passed away yesterday.
The New York Times reports that there was “no obvious cause identified” at the time of his death.
Dr Bartley P. Griffith, who surgically transplanted the pig heart, said: “We are devastated by the loss of Mr Bennett. He proved to be a brace and noble patient who fought all the way to the end. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family.”
David was first taken into the care at the University of Maryland Centre in October last year, when he became bedridden due to terminal heart disease.
Doctors turned to the experimental measure after the 57-year-old was denied a conventional heart transplant.
Before consenting to the transplant, Mr Bennett was made fully aware of the then-unknown risks posed by the procedure.
Emergency authorisation was then granted by the US Food and Drug Administration on December 31, 2021 for the transplant to go ahead a week later.
Experts said that the genetically modified pigs heart “performed well” for several weeks, with no immediate signs of rejection.
During the two months, Mr Bennett was able to spend time with his family and participate in physical therapy to help regain his strength.
But, his condition started to deteriorate “several days ago” before his death was confirmed earlier today.
Muhammad M. Mohiuddin, MD, Professor of Surgery and Scientific Director of the Cardiac Xenotransplantation Program at UMSOM, added: “We are grateful to Mr. Bennett for his unique and historic role in helping to contribute to a vast array of knowledge to the field of xenotransplantation.”
Dr Mohiuddin added: “We have gained invaluable insights learning that the genetically modified pig heart can function well within the human body while the immune system is adequately suppressed.
“We remain optimistic and plan on continuing our work in future clinical trials.”
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