In a groundbreaking medical achievement, doctors at NYU Langone Health have successfully transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman, Lisa Pisano, who was facing life-threatening heart and kidney failure.
Pisano’s condition rendered her ineligible for a traditional transplant, leaving her with limited options. However, medical experts at NYU devised an innovative approach: implanting a mechanical heart pump to support her failing heart, followed by the transplantation of a kidney from a genetically modified pig.
The surgeries, performed in rapid succession, marked a significant milestone in the field of xenotransplantation. Pisano’s recovery has been promising, with early indications showing no signs of organ rejection.
“I was at the end of my rope,” Pisano revealed. “I just took a chance. And you know, worst case scenario, if it didn’t work for me, it might have worked for someone else and it could have helped the next person.”
Dr. Robert Montgomery, director of NYU Langone Transplant Institute, described the immediate success of the pig kidney transplant as “transformative.” However, he emphasized the need for further observation and study to determine the long-term efficacy of xenotransplantation.
Pisano’s case highlights the potential of innovative medical interventions to address complex health challenges. As she continues her recovery journey, her experience could pave the way for future advancements in organ transplantation.