David Bennet, a 57-year-old man, is the first person in the world to have received a heart transplant from a pig. The 7-hour procedure happened at the University of Maryland Medical Center, this was Mr. Bennet’s last and only choice to keep living after being diagnosed with terminal heart disease. After 3 days, Mr. Bennet was healthy and well. Doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center say that if the implant had not happened he would have died. 

“I know it’s a shot in the dark but it’s my last choice,” said David Bennet when he was released.

 The pig that was used in this procedure was genetically modified to have several human genes. Genes that would affect the human immune system were removed to avert pig heart tissue growth and human genes were inserted so the heart would operate properly. As of now, Mr. Bennet is being monitored for immune system complications and problems and to see if the transplant would provide vital benefits.

”How well the patient does from now is, you know, it’s never been done before so we really don’t know,” said Dr. Christine Lau in an interview with BBC.

“I am surprised that this actually happened because I thought this would happen later in the future but, since this already happened I wonder what the future holds next,” said Bryan Gonzalez (11).