David Bennett, the world's first human to receive a genetically modified pig heart, died two months after the transplant. His passing was announced by doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center. The cause of death is not known at this time. Three days later, the University of Maryland announced that Bennett had received the heart. He had a terminal heart condition that made him unsuitable for conventional treatments such as a heart pump or heart transplant.
In recent months, other research teams have started to perform experimental transplants of organs obtained from genetically engineered pigs designed to be compatible with humans in theory overcoming the hurdles that have long made animal-to-human transplants unsafe and unsuccessful. The transplants were not intended to save or prolong the lives of brain dead humans. Bennett's transplant of a modified pig heart, which was not expected to significantly extend his life, is a success as it proves that the procedure is possible.
The University of Maryland Medical Center started their own program several years ago. Bennett was the first living human to receive one of these engineered organs when they performed a transplant on New Year's Eve. The pigs and their organs have been produced by Revivicor.
Bennett continued to need hospital care after the surgery, but it appeared to go well. He had recovered enough to enjoy the Super Bowl after his doctors reported that the new heart still looked healthy. The decision was made to offer him palliative care because of his worsening health. Bennett died on Tuesday afternoon, March 8, though he was able to communicate with his family during his final hours.
We are devastated by the loss of Mr. Bennett. He was a brave and noble patient who fought all the way to the end. The lead surgeon on Bennett's transplant extended his sympathies to his family in a statement from the university.
The cause of Bennett's death was not immediately clear, but his doctors plan to review the case and publish their findings in a peer-reviewed journal, according to a hospital spokesman. Despite the tragic end, it is expected that much will be gleaned from Bennett's experience.
Bennett's doctors have gained valuable insights that the genetically modified pig heart can function well within the human body while the immune system is adequately suppressed.
Bennett acknowledged the risks and limitations of the surgery, but said it was his last choice.
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