In a remarkable medical breakthrough, a team of surgeons at NYU Langone in New York City has successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a human patient. This pioneering procedure, carried out on July 14, 2023, marks a significant leap forward in the realm of xenotransplantation, potentially paving the way for more animal-to-human transplants in the future.
The recipient, 57-year-old Maurice Miller, was declared brain dead prior to the procedure. The transplantation involved not only the pig kidney but also the thymus, a vital organ that plays a crucial role in the human immune system. The inclusion of the thymus aims to protect the transplanted kidney from potential immune system attacks.
Why the Thymus?
Dr. Adam Griesemer, a Transplant Surgeon at NYU Langone Health, elucidated the importance of the thymus in this procedure. He explained, “The thymus gland is where our immune system matures. It helps our body recognize and reject foreign proteins. By transplanting the pig’s thymus, we are teaching the recipient’s body to recognize the pig antigens as their own, potentially reducing the risk of organ rejection.”
A Month of Success
Dr. Robert Montgomery, Chair of the Department of Surgery at NYU Langone Health, confirmed that the transplanted kidney has been functioning properly for over a month. He emphasized that the kidney appears to be performing all the vital tasks that a human kidney would. The team will continue to monitor its function for a total of two months to ensure its sustained performance.
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A Legacy of Hope
Maurice Miller’s sister, Mary Miller-Duff, expressed her pride in her brother’s involvement in this groundbreaking procedure. She fondly remembered him, saying, “Mo was a kind, giving brother who loved life. It’s fitting that his final act will potentially help countless others through this innovative medical advancement.”
This achievement offers a glimmer of hope for the over 103,000 individuals in the U.S. awaiting a transplant, with nearly 88,000 of them in need of a kidney. As the medical community continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the future looks promising for those in dire need of life-saving transplants.
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