Woman makes history with combined pig kidney transplant and heart pump implant; DETAILS inside
Lisa Pisano of New Jersey has rewritten medical history by becoming the world's first person to undergo surgery that combined a pig kidney transplant with the installation of a heart pump.
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Lisa Pisano undergoes historic surgery, receiving a pig kidney transplant and heart pump implant
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Facing heart and kidney failure, Pisano's eligibility for traditional transplants was limited
Lisa Pisano, of New Jersey, is the world's first person to undergo a combined pig kidney transplant and heart pump implant. This remarkable procedure is a significant step forward in the field of transplant surgery, providing hope to patients with complex medical conditions, as per Sky News.
Overcoming dual organ failure
Lisa Pisano faced a daunting medical challenge: both heart and kidney failure. Her condition was so severe that she was not eligible for a traditional transplant. Faced with limited options and deteriorating health, Pisano bravely chose an innovative surgical approach that included a pig kidney transplant and the implantation of a mechanical heart pump. This decision, while risky, proved to be life-changing.
Lisa Pisano reflected on her decision and expressed her desire to pursue every possible treatment option. She said, "I was at the end of my rope. I just took a chance."
Her willingness to try new medical treatments not only gave her hope for her own recovery but also paved the way for future advances in transplant medicine. Pisano's husband, Todd, expressed relief and joy, saying, "With this surgery, I get to see my wife smile again."
Success in the operating room
The groundbreaking surgeries were performed at the NYU Langone Transplant Institute in New York. Dr. Robert Montgomery, the institute's director, described the moment of success when the transplanted pig kidney immediately began to function, saying, "There were cheers in the operating room as the organ started making urine."
The medical team's coordinated efforts, led by Dr. Montgomery and cardiac surgeon Dr. Nader Moazami, were critical to the successful completion of the complex procedures.
Lisa Pisano and the medical team have faced many challenges on their recovery journey. Dr. Moazami cautioned, "We're not off the hook yet," focusing on the critical nature of ongoing monitoring and treatment.
However, early results have been encouraging, with Pisano showing signs of improvement. Dr. Montgomery described the surgery's impact as "transformative," stating its potential to improve patients' quality of life.
Lisa Pisano's case marks a significant advancement in the field of transplant medicine. With over 100,000 people on the transplant waiting list in the United States alone, innovative solutions to the donor organ shortage are urgently needed. The use of genetically modified pig organs, engineered to be more compatible with the human body, provides hope for closing this gap.