Towana Looney, an Alabama woman, becomes the longest-living recipient of a pig organ transplant, highlighting the potential of xenotransplantation in addressing the organ shortage.
An Alabama woman, Towana Looney , has made history by becoming the longest-living recipient of a pig organ transplant. Looney received a new kidney from a genetically modified pig on November 25th, 2023, and has been thriving for 61 days and counting. Her journey to this milestone is remarkable, as she had previously donated a kidney to her mother in 1999. Years later, pregnancy complications led to high blood pressure that damaged her remaining kidney, leaving her in a dire situation.
She spent eight years on dialysis, only to be told that a human organ transplant was unlikely due to super-high levels of antibodies in her system that were primed to attack another human kidney.Desperate for a solution, Looney decided to participate in the experimental pig transplant program. Dr. Robert Montgomery of NYU Langone Health, who led the surgery, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the procedure for someone with Looney's unique condition. After a successful surgery and a brief stay in the hospital, Looney's recovery has been closely monitored through blood tests and other measurements. While initial signs of rejection appeared about three weeks post-transplant, the medical team was able to effectively treat it, preventing further complications. Looney even met the family behind a previous research breakthrough involving a pig kidney transplanted into a deceased man's body, expressing gratitude for their contribution to her life-saving surgery. Looney's story is a beacon of hope in the ongoing struggle to address the critical shortage of transplantable human organs. Her kidney function is described as 'absolutely normal,' allowing her to enjoy a newfound lease on life. While the long-term viability of the pig kidney remains unknown, Looney is optimistic about the future. Scientists continue to refine the genetic modification techniques used on pigs, paving the way for more successful and sustainable xenotransplantations. Looney's case serves as a valuable learning experience for the medical community, providing crucial insights into the complexities and possibilities of this groundbreaking field
PIG ORGAN TRANSPLANT XENOTRANSPLANTATION MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGH ORGAN SHORTAGE TOWANA LOONEY
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