Lisa Pisano dies in fatal NYU Langone Health organ transplant
Fatal NYU Langone Health organ transplant death of Lisa Pisano – Obituary
Lisa Pisano, who was the first individual to receive both a mechanical heart pump and a gene-edited pig kidney, passed away on Sunday, as confirmed by NYU Langone Health.
Pisano underwent the pioneering transplant on April 12, but the pig kidney, which had been genetically modified to avoid detection by her immune system, failed due to insufficient blood flow and was removed on May 29.
Her transplant marked a significant medical milestone: it was the first known organ transplant in a patient with a mechanical heart pump and the second instance of a gene-edited pig kidney being used in a living recipient. Additionally, it was the first time such a kidney was transplanted alongside the pig’s thymus gland.
Dr. Robert Montgomery, director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, praised Pisano’s bravery and selflessness in a statement released on Tuesday.
Despite the transplant’s failure, Pisano expressed hope that her case would benefit future patients. “At least somebody is going to benefit from it,” she stated during a post-procedure news conference.
Montgomery emphasized the impact of Pisano’s contribution to medicine and xenotransplantation, noting that her efforts have brought the medical community closer to a future where organ transplants do not require sacrificing another person’s life.
“Lisa’s contributions to medicine, surgery, and xenotransplantation cannot be overstated,” Montgomery said.
The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network reports that every eight minutes, a new person joins the transplant waiting list, and 17 people die each day while waiting for an organ. Xenotransplantation, which involves using organs from animals, is seen as a potential solution to the shortage of donor organs.
In the US, xenotransplants are conducted under rare circumstances with FDA approval through the expanded-access or “compassionate use” policy. This policy allows terminally ill patients with no other treatment options to access experimental medical procedures. For Pisano, this meant having the experimental transplant as standard procedures were not viable due to her severe heart and kidney conditions.
Before the procedure, Pisano had exhausted all other treatment options and hoped that the surgery would allow her to spend more time with her grandchildren. The pig kidney she received was altered to avoid rejection by her immune system, with the pig’s thymus gland placed with it to further aid in organ acceptance.
Unfortunately, the kidney was removed in May after it was determined that it was no longer providing sufficient benefit to warrant continued immunosuppression. Montgomery described Pisano’s courage as an inspiration to those with end-stage kidney or heart failure, stating, “Her bravery gave hope to thousands of people who might soon benefit from alternative organ sources.”
“Lisa’s legacy as a pioneer will endure, and she will be remembered for her courageous spirit and kindness,” he concluded.
Fatal NYU Langone Health organ transplant death of Lisa Pisano – Obituary Lisa Pisano, who was the first individual to receive both a mechanical heart pump and a gene-edited pig kidney, passed away on Sunday, as confirmed by NYU Langone Health. Pisano underwent the pioneering transplant on April 12, but the pig kidney, which had…
Fatal NYU Langone Health organ transplant death of Lisa Pisano – Obituary Lisa Pisano, who was the first individual to receive both a mechanical heart pump and a gene-edited pig kidney, passed away on Sunday, as confirmed by NYU Langone Health. Pisano underwent the pioneering transplant on April 12, but the pig kidney, which had…