Lisa Pisano, a trailblazer in the field of xenotransplantation, has sadly passed away according to NYU Langone Health. She made history as the first person to receive a mechanical heart pump as well as a gene-edited pig kidney. Her groundbreaking surgeries opened up new possibilities in the world of organ transplants.
Despite Pisano’s brave and altruistic spirit, her journey took a tragic turn when the pig kidney she received failed due to limited blood flow. This setback, however, did not diminish the impact of her contributions to medicine. Her case marked the first reported organ transplant in a person with a mechanical heart pump and the second known transplant of a gene-edited pig kidney into a living recipient.
Dr. Robert Montgomery, director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, praised Pisano’s courage and emphasized the significance of her role in advancing medical science. He highlighted her role in bringing us closer to a future where organ shortages are a thing of the past.
Xenotransplantation, the practice of using organs from other species, holds promise as a solution to the shortage of available donor organs. Experts believe that this innovative approach could save the lives of thousands of people on the transplant waiting list.
Pisano’s case was a result of the FDA’s expanded-access policy, which allows terminally ill patients with no other options to access experimental treatments. Her determination to undergo the experimental procedure was fueled by her desire to spend more time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Although Pisano’s journey ended in tragedy, her legacy as a pioneer in xenotransplantation will live on. Her courage and selflessness have inspired hope for those living with end-stage kidney or heart failure, as they look towards a future where organ transplants are more readily available.
