In a groundbreaking experiment, surgeons at the University of Pennsylvania have externally attached a pig liver to a brain-dead human body, showcasing a promising development for patients with liver failure. The unique approach involves utilizing the pig liver outside the recipient’s body, acting as a “bridge” to support failing livers by performing blood-cleansing functions externally, akin to dialysis for kidneys.
This novel experiment takes a different approach to animal-to-human organ transplants, specifically xenotransplants. Traditionally, these transplants faced challenges due to immune system rejection. However, scientists are revisiting the concept using genetically modified pig organs that mimic human characteristics more closely.
In recent experiments, kidneys from genetically modified pigs have been temporarily transplanted into brain-dead donors, and there have been attempts at heart transplants, albeit with limited success. The US Food and Drug Administration is contemplating allowing a select group of Americans to participate in rigorous studies involving pig hearts or kidneys.
The University of Pennsylvania’s experiment involved attaching a genetically modified pig liver (developed by eGenesis) to a device from OrganOx, typically used to preserve donated human livers before transplantation. The pig liver was externally connected to the brain-dead donor’s body, circulating blood through the OrganOx device for 72 hours. The donor’s body remained stable, and the pig liver showed no signs of damage during the experiment.
Liver failure poses significant challenges, with approximately 10,000 people currently on the US waiting list for a liver transplant. This pioneering approach using pig livers externally opens new possibilities for treating liver failure, marking a noteworthy advancement in xenotransplantation research.
