Man Who Received Groundbreaking Pig Heart Transplant Has Passed Away

In January this year, doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center achieved the first successful attempt at inserting a genetically modified pig heart into a human.

The first-of-its-kind operation, which made headlines worldwide, was the “last choice” that 57-year-old David Bennett, who had terminal heart disease, had been left with to continue living. 

In fact, the operation was an exception by the Food and Drug Administration under “compassionate use,” which is only given during emergency situations.

Unfortunately, just two months after the breakthrough, his condition deteriorated, resulting in him passing away on March 8, 2022.

According to the BBC, in the weeks following his surgery, Bennett was able to spend time with his family, watch the Super Bowl, and spoke about how he was looking forward to seeing his dog, Lucky.

“He proved to be a brave and noble patient who fought all the way to the end,” said surgeon Bartley Griffith, who had performed the transplant.

David Jr, Bennett’s son, told the Associated Press he hopes his father’s incredible treatment would “be the beginning of hope and not the end.” 

“We are grateful for every innovative moment, every crazy dream, every sleepless night that went into this historic effort,” he said. 

Although it hasn’t been revealed what exactly caused Bennett’s decline and eventual death, it’s hopeful the initial success could have allowed scientists to glean information needed to help further studies in the area going forward.

[via BBC and Associated Press, cover image via University of Maryland School of Medicine]