Second person to receive experimental pig heart transplant dies nearly six weeks after procedure

Lawrence Faucette, who received a genetically modified pig heart in a pioneering transplant operation, died nearly six weeks after the procedure. The surgery, an experimental attempt to address the shortage of human organs for transplantation, was performed at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Despite initial signs of success, Faucette's condition deteriorated as the pig heart began to show signs of rejection.

Faucette, aged 58, had been suffering from heart failure and was not eligible for a traditional human heart transplant due to his heart disease and other health conditions. The transplant represented his last hope for survival and was seen as a potential lifeline for many patients in similar situations. His progress post-surgery was promising; he engaged in physical therapy and enjoyed time with his family, indicating a temporary improvement in his quality of life.

However, the challenge of organ rejection—a common risk in all transplants—became apparent when Faucette's body began to reject the pig heart. This setback highlights the complexities of xenotransplantation, where animal organs are used to replace human ones. The medical community continues to explore this field, driven by the high demand for organs and the stark reality that many patients die waiting for transplants, as evidenced by the extensive national transplant waiting list.