In recent years it has become possible to replace human organs with pig ones using genetic engineering, but so far the results have been far from perfect or permanent. However, one woman has managed to break the record for the longest time lived with a pig organ, and she's overjoyed with it.
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So far, only four other Americans have received a pig organ, with this woman being the fifth. Tragically, despite the genetic modification, none lived more than two months. However, Towana Looney has breezed the past 61 days and continues in good health with a pig kidney, or 'Pigney' as it's known in the business.
Her recovery and continued life have been an inspiration for the doctors striving to improve human-to-animal transplants. Her pig organ hasn't left her in bad health either. Speaking to The Associated Press she is full of life. "I'm superwoman, it's a new take on life."
She is able to outpace her family members in long walks around New York. Her recovery is remarkable and a huge leap forward in potentially revolutionary organ surgery.
Pig Organ Could Save Millions With Success
The organ waiting list in the US alone is monstrous with many people passing away before a donor is found. However, with modified pig organs becoming viable, this waiting list could disappear in a few years. Previously, it wasn't possible, but with the leaps made by the geneticists, it may soon become commonplace.
The success with Looney and her pig organ is a sign of good things on the horizon for the practice. "We're quite optimistic that this is going to continue to work and work well for, you know, a significant period of time," Dr. Robert Montgomery of NYU Langone Health said. She led the transplant of the pig organ and has been with Looney the whole way.
In terms of next steps and onward transplants, the future is unclear. "The truth is we don't really know what the next hurdles are because this is the first time we've gotten this far," Montgomery said. "We'll have to continue to really keep a close eye on her."
He's hoping this is the advent of human-animal transplants that could save millions around the world.
