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In reply to the discussion: Three ethical issues around pig heart transplants [View all]PJMcK
(22,148 posts)16. I remember it well!
Last edited Tue Jan 11, 2022, 05:12 PM - Edit history (1)
Dr. Christiaan Barnard transplanted a heart from a woman who had died in a car crash into Louis Washkansky in Cape Town, South Africa. I can't believe I remember those names but it made a searing impression on my 9-year old mind and I read everything about it that I could get my hands on. This was long before the internet in 1967. Mr. Washkansky lived a little more than two weeks and he died from infections because his immune system had been weakened by the anti-rejection drugs he was given. The heart performed perfectly until his death.
You're correct, of course, that the lessons learned from this recent procedure will inform doctors going forward.
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I always found the double standard of saving the life of an animal and killing an animal interesting
Victor_c3
Jan 2022
#33
Apparently this patient had a lot of issues with not following medical advice, missing appointments.
BlackSkimmer
Jan 2022
#17
Look, I have no idea why you want to pick a fight with me, but I'm not interested.
BlackSkimmer
Jan 2022
#37
The third point is valid for only certain religions. Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions...
Hekate
Jan 2022
#6
IIRC, the first human heart transplant recipient didn't live very long either...
Wounded Bear
Jan 2022
#12
Horses have already contributed serum for vaccines and hormones for menopausal women...
Hekate
Jan 2022
#20
In 1994, my mother received a pig valve that gave her many good years of life
Thunderbeast
Jan 2022
#11