Farms.com Home   News

Dying Navy Veteran Receives Pig Heart Transplant

Surgeons have successfully transplanted a pig’s heart into a dying man – only the second patient to undergo such an experimental feat, the Associated Press (AP) reports. Two days after his surgery, the man was cracking jokes and able to sit in a chair, Maryland doctors told AP on Friday.

Lawrence Faucette, a 58-year-old Navy veteran from Frederick, Md., was facing near-certain death from heart failure. Unfortunately other health problems meant he wasn’t eligible for a traditional heart transplant,  doctors at University of Maryland Medicine told AP.

Doctors said they were thrilled at Faucette’s early response to the pig organ, but pointed out that the next few weeks are critical.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Episode 105: How to Spot Respiratory Acidosis in a Newborn Calf

Video: Episode 105: How to Spot Respiratory Acidosis in a Newborn Calf

Most beef producers are familiar with the frustration of dealing with a “dummy calf” - a calf that won’t suckle, won’t stand and seems unresponsive despite intensive care. In this episode, we explore one of the most common underlying causes: respiratory acidosis. We’ll break down what causes respiratory acidosis, the symptoms to watch for and practical treatment options to help give these calves the best chance at survival.