Surgeons Connect Pig Liver to Brain-Dead Human Body

In a groundbreaking experiment conducted at the University of Pennsylvania in December, surgeons affixed a swine liver externally to a brain-dead individual. This novel procedure aimed to explore the intricacies of xenotransplantation, an avenue for animal-to-human organ transplants. The genetically modified pig's liver, crafted by eGenesis to closely mimic a human organ, adeptly filtered the recipient's blood for an impressive 72-hour span.

The University of Pennsylvania's surgical team heralded their success in seamlessly connecting a genetically altered pig liver to a brain-dead subject, showcasing the organ's normal functionality throughout the experiment's duration. The pig's liver, a result of genetic modification, played a pivotal role in alleviating the malfunctioning human liver by purifying its blood. This task was accomplished with the assistance of an innovative device from OrganOx, designed to preserve donated human livers.

This experimental triumph signifies a significant stride in advancing liver failure treatments through xenotransplantation, a field that has historically faced challenges due to the human immune system's rejection of animal tissues. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges the experimental breakthrough as it moves toward effective treatments for acute liver decompensation.

Dr. Peter Friend, the Chief Medical Officer of OrganOx, expressed optimism about the potential of this achievement. "Our system, coupled with a genetically modified liver, amalgamates modern organ perfusion technology with the comprehensive functions of a whole liver. This potent combination has the potential to be a life-saving intervention."

During the experiment, the pig's liver functioned as a crucial "bridge," akin to dialysis for failing kidneys. Notably, researchers have also engaged in the temporary transplantation of genetically modified pig kidneys into donors, further probing the efficacy of foreign organs in a human system.

Throughout the experiment, the human body's circulation relied on machines, ensuring stability and the absence of discernible damage. The donor's body, provided by the deceased person's family, was instrumental in advancing scientific understanding. Despite the body's organs being ineligible for donation, the successful integration of the pig's liver brought a glimmer of hope to the realm of xenotransplantation.

In a related milestone from September, surgeons in Baltimore accomplished a heart transplant using a porcine heart to replace a damaged human heart. Though the patient succumbed nearly six weeks post-surgery, the achievement marked another step forward in exploring the possibilities and challenges of cross-species organ transplantation.

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