Woman Dies After Pig Kidney Transplant in Groundbreaking Experiment
- Lisa Pisano underwent a pig kidney transplant and heart pump surgery at NYU Langone Health in April 2023.
- Tragically, she later died following the procedures.
- This incident raises concerns about the risks associated with xenotransplantation and complex surgeries.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lisa Pisano, a New Jersey woman who underwent a pioneering pig kidney transplant, has passed away, as announced by her surgeon, Dr. Robert Montgomery, on Tuesday. Initially, Pisano appeared to be recovering well from the transplant, which included an implanted device to support her heart function. However, after 47 days, complications arose due to damage to the pig kidney caused by her heart medications, necessitating her return to dialysis. Despite the medical interventions, including the use of a heart pump, Pisano's condition deteriorated, leading her to enter hospice care before her death on Sunday. Dr. Montgomery commended her bravery in participating in this experimental procedure, known as xenotransplantation, which aims to address the critical shortage of transplantable organs. He emphasized that her efforts have brought researchers closer to a future where organ shortages may be alleviated. Pisano was the second patient to receive a kidney from a genetically modified pig, and her doctor clarified that her death was attributed to preexisting heart disease rather than the transplant itself. The U.S. currently has over 100,000 individuals on the transplant waiting list, with a significant number requiring kidneys. In addition to Pisano's case, other recent xenotransplantation efforts, including pig heart transplants at the University of Maryland, have also faced challenges, with both recipients passing away within months. The Associated Press Health and Science Department, supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group, remains committed to reporting on advancements in medical research and their implications.