University of Maryland Medical Center on Tuesday, October 31 announced the passing of Lawrence Faucette, the 58-year-old patient with terminal heart disease who received the world’s second genetically modified pig heart transplant.
In a statement, the medical facility stated that the deceased person received the transplant on September 20 and lived for nearly six weeks following the surgery.
The hospital added that the late Faucette made significant improvements after his surgery by engaging in physical therapy, spending time with family members, and playing cards with his wife, Ann.
However, his heart began to show initial signs of rejection – the most significant challenge with traditional transplants involving human organs as well. Despite the medical team’s efforts, Faucette ultimately succumbed on October 30.
“We mourn the loss of Mr. Faucette, a remarkable patient, scientist, Navy veteran, and family man who just wanted a little more time to spend with his loving wife, sons, and family,” said Bartley P. Griffith, MD, who surgically transplanted the pig heart into the patient at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
“Faucette’s last wish was for us to make the most of what we have learned from our experience, so others may be guaranteed a chance for a new heart when a human organ is unavailable. He then told the team of doctors and nurses who gathered around him that he loved us. We will miss him tremendously.”
Muhammad M. Mohiuddin, MD, Professor of Surgery and Scientific/Program Director of the Cardiac Xenotransplantation Program at UMSOM, added, “We cannot express enough gratitude to Faucette and his family for enabling us to continue to make significant advancements towards making xenotransplants a reality.
Faucette was a scientist who not only read and interpreted his own biopsies but who understood the important contribution he was making in advancing this field. As with the first patient, David Bennett, Sr., we intend to conduct an extensive analysis to identify factors that can be prevented in future transplants; this will allow us to continue to move forward and educate our colleagues in the field on our experience.”
Faucette first came to the University of Maryland Medical Center as a patient on Thursday, September 14. When he came into the hospital, he was in end-stage heart failure. Shortly before the surgery, his heart stopped and required resuscitation.
He was deemed ineligible for a traditional heart transplant due to his advanced medical conditions including peripheral vascular disease. On September 15, the US Food and Drug Administration granted emergency authorization for the surgery in the hope of extending his life.
Following surgery, the transplanted heart performed very well without any evidence of rejection during the first month of recovery. Faucette was engaged in physical therapy and was working toward regaining his ability to walk.
