A Maryland man who received the first-of-its-kind pig heart transplant has died, just two months after receiving the groundbreaking operation, the University of Maryland Medical Center announced Wednesday.
David Bennett, 57, made history as the first patient to receive a genetically modified pig heart, a procedure that offered hope to several patients amid a shortage of donated organs. However, Bennett’s heart condition began deteriorating over the last week, soon becoming clear he would not recover.
“We are devastated by the loss of Mr. Bennett. He proved to be a brave and noble patient who fought all the way to the end. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family,” said Bartley Griffith, who surgically transplanted the pig heart, in a statement. “Mr. Bennett became known by millions of people around the world for his courage and steadfast will to live.”
Bennett, who was diagnosed with terminal heart disease, received the transplant in January as a last-ditch effort to survive, as he did not qualify for a conventional heart transplant. The procedure gained widespread attention, and previous attempts resulted in deaths when patients’ bodies rejected the animal organs.
MAN RECEIVES FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND PIG HEART TRANSPLANT BY US SURGEONS IN LAST-DITCH EFFORT
“It was either die or do this transplant. I want to live,” Bennett said ahead of his surgery in a press release at the time. “I know it’s a shot in the dark, but it’s my last choice.”
The Maryland resident was informed of the risks of the surgery, and the Food and Drug Administration gave surgeons the green light to go through with the procedure on Dec. 31, 2021. He received the transplant on Jan. 7, with surgeons reporting Bennett was in good condition just days later.
However, when his condition began to deteriorate in early March, doctors placed him on palliative care. The hospital said he was able to communicate with his family in the hours before he died.
“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,” said Muhammad Mohiuddin, the university hospital’s scientific director of the Cardiac Xenotransplantation Program. “We remain optimistic and plan on continuing our work in future clinical trials.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
More than 100,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list, and more than 6,000 people die annually before receiving one, according to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.
It’s unclear from the statement whether Bennett’s body rejected the organ, and the cause of his death is still under examination.
