We really shouldn't be surprised. The only people that are receiving these are in EXTREMELY dire circumstances. Even if there is only a 10% chance of the transplant working, that's a higher...
We really shouldn't be surprised. The only people that are receiving these are in EXTREMELY dire circumstances. Even if there is only a 10% chance of the transplant working, that's a higher probability than them living without it.
I think it's quite admirable that folks are willing to spend their last days helping scientists iron out the kinks in what would be a huge breakthrough if they succeed.
This is already a huge W if you ask me. This man expected nothing and got six weeks with his family. The surgery was a success, the heart functioned, the human lived. Rejection could've happened...
This is already a huge W if you ask me. This man expected nothing and got six weeks with his family. The surgery was a success, the heart functioned, the human lived. Rejection could've happened no matter the source.
Thanks to these two people we've learnt that this is a viable option to explore.
Agreed. I'll be very interested in reading the case report, or whatever literature is published regarding this event. I hope that mans family realizes just how valuable his contribution to the...
Agreed. I'll be very interested in reading the case report, or whatever literature is published regarding this event. I hope that mans family realizes just how valuable his contribution to the medical world is
Reading through the article, one thing that caught my eye was the evidence of a porcine virus targeting the heart. I wonder if the genetic modifications reduced the innate immunity of the porcine cells within the xenograft, thereby making it more susceptible to viruses (in addition to the anti-rejection meds I'm sure the patient was taking)
The porcine virus was from the first xenotransplantation case. As far as I know, there hasn't been a report on the cause of failure/rejection for this second patient.
The porcine virus was from the first xenotransplantation case. As far as I know, there hasn't been a report on the cause of failure/rejection for this second patient.
When I think about it intellectually I'm not surprised. The transplant working at all IS a breakthrough in my eyes. Emotionally though, its hard to look at this and not see a giant invisible road...
When I think about it intellectually I'm not surprised. The transplant working at all IS a breakthrough in my eyes.
Emotionally though, its hard to look at this and not see a giant invisible road block in the way of success.
It's hard to not read an article like this emotionally.
Look at the mechanical heart valves we have today. When they were first being implanted in patients, the rates of complications were sky high and yet now they have evolved to the point where...
Look at the mechanical heart valves we have today. When they were first being implanted in patients, the rates of complications were sky high and yet now they have evolved to the point where individuals cant survive with these devices for many years
There was no roadblock to success in this case, as all the information we have gleamed from this case will go on to help future patients as we perfect the process of xenotransplantation. Right now you're just seeing the complications associated with the early stages of a novel technological medical breakthrough
It may also help to keep in mind that the man was going to pass from his heart failure without the transplant. So yes while it's unfortunate he ultimately expired, he DID get an additional 6 weeks to spend with his family and make his peace
We really shouldn't be surprised. The only people that are receiving these are in EXTREMELY dire circumstances. Even if there is only a 10% chance of the transplant working, that's a higher probability than them living without it.
I think it's quite admirable that folks are willing to spend their last days helping scientists iron out the kinks in what would be a huge breakthrough if they succeed.
This is already a huge W if you ask me. This man expected nothing and got six weeks with his family. The surgery was a success, the heart functioned, the human lived. Rejection could've happened no matter the source.
Thanks to these two people we've learnt that this is a viable option to explore.
Agreed. I'll be very interested in reading the case report, or whatever literature is published regarding this event. I hope that mans family realizes just how valuable his contribution to the medical world is
Reading through the article, one thing that caught my eye was the evidence of a porcine virus targeting the heart. I wonder if the genetic modifications reduced the innate immunity of the porcine cells within the xenograft, thereby making it more susceptible to viruses (in addition to the anti-rejection meds I'm sure the patient was taking)
The porcine virus was from the first xenotransplantation case. As far as I know, there hasn't been a report on the cause of failure/rejection for this second patient.
Oh you're correct. I see now where they segued into the previous patient
When I think about it intellectually I'm not surprised. The transplant working at all IS a breakthrough in my eyes.
Emotionally though, its hard to look at this and not see a giant invisible road block in the way of success.
It's hard to not read an article like this emotionally.
Look at the mechanical heart valves we have today. When they were first being implanted in patients, the rates of complications were sky high and yet now they have evolved to the point where individuals cant survive with these devices for many years
There was no roadblock to success in this case, as all the information we have gleamed from this case will go on to help future patients as we perfect the process of xenotransplantation. Right now you're just seeing the complications associated with the early stages of a novel technological medical breakthrough
It may also help to keep in mind that the man was going to pass from his heart failure without the transplant. So yes while it's unfortunate he ultimately expired, he DID get an additional 6 weeks to spend with his family and make his peace
6 weeks after the transplant, no other details so far.