David Bennett, the world’s first human to obtain a genetically modified pig coronary heart, has died simply two months following the historic transplantation. Doctors on the University of Maryland Medical Center, the place the surgical procedure was carried out, introduced his passing Wednesday morning. At this time, the reason for loss of life is reportedly unclear.

Bennett, 57, obtained the center on January 7, which was introduced by the University of Maryland three days later. He had been identified with a terminal coronary heart situation and bedridden for months, however his extreme arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat that may predispose folks to coronary heart assault or different cardiac sickness) made him unsuitable for typical remedies like a coronary heart pump or coronary heart transplant.

In current months, different analysis groups have began to carry out experimental transplants of organs obtained from genetically engineered pigs designed to be appropriate with people—in concept overcoming the hurdles which have lengthy made animal-to-human transplants unsafe and unsuccessful. These experiments had solely concerned people who had been mind lifeless, although, and the transplants weren’t meant to save lots of or extend their lives. Similarly, transplanting a modified pig coronary heart into Bennett, which was not anticipated to considerably prolong his life, stays successful because it proves that the process is feasible.

Several years earlier, researchers on the University of Maryland Medical Center had begun their very own cardiac xenotransplantation program. And on New Year’s Eve, they obtained particular permission from the Food and Drug Administration to carry out a transplant on Bennett as a last-resort remedy, successfully making him the primary dwelling human to obtain certainly one of these engineered organs. These pigs and their organs have to this point all been produced by the corporate Revivicor.

The surgical procedure appeared to go nicely, with none main short-term issues, akin to indicators of acute rejection, although Bennett continued to want hospital care. In mid-February, his docs reported that the brand new coronary heart nonetheless seemed wholesome, and he had recovered enough to benefit from the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, his well being had severely worsened in current days, and the choice was made to supply him palliative care. On Tuesday afternoon, March 8, Bennett died, although he was reportedly communicative sufficient to talk along with his household throughout his last hours.

“We are devastated by the loss of Mr. Bennett. He proved to be a brave and noble patient who fought all the way to the end. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family,” mentioned Bartley Griffith, the lead surgeon on Bennett’s transplant, in a statement from the college.

A hospital spokesperson told USA Today Wednesday that there was no instantly clear reason for Bennett’s loss of life, although his docs do plan to assessment the case and publish all their findings in a peer-reviewed journal. It’s anticipated that a lot will probably be gleaned from Bennett’s expertise, regardless of the tragic finish.

“We have gained invaluable insights learning that the genetically modified pig heart can function well within the human body while the immune system is adequately suppressed,” mentioned Muhammad Mohiuddin, one other of Bennett’s docs, in an announcement. “We remain optimistic and plan on continuing our work in future clinical trials.”

Even previous to the transplant, Bennett appeared to completely acknowledge the dangers and limitations of the surgical procedure, stating, “I know it’s a shot in the dark, but it’s my last choice.”