You Pig!
- Thread starter TPD
- Start date
Just because we can doesn't mean we should.
Dr. Moreau had to start somewhere.
NextJen
Raisin cane
I say why not? If I or a loved one were on a waiting list for a heart transplant and this was a viable option, I don’t think I’d have a problem with it.
I’ll have to look it up, but I think I remember heart valves from pigs already being used for replacements in humans (I could be wrong).
I’ll have to look it up, but I think I remember heart valves from pigs already being used for replacements in humans (I could be wrong).
HemiHauler
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately he’s not kosher any longer and he can’t be eaten by Moslems. And I wonder if he’ll be able to bring himself to eat bacon moving forward.
Clem72
Well-Known Member
I thought they used pig valves because they could be denatured (or whatever the appropriate term is) such that your body is less likely to identify them as foreign and you don't need to be on anti-rejection drugs.
I know I had read about them doing a similar thing with hearts, basically dissolved a majority of the tissue leaving a "scaffolding" of cells that new heart cells can be grown on, but that would be a much bigger story. So I assume this operation would require this person to use a LOT of immunosuppressant drugs and the organ will likely still fail in a couple of years.
I know I had read about them doing a similar thing with hearts, basically dissolved a majority of the tissue leaving a "scaffolding" of cells that new heart cells can be grown on, but that would be a much bigger story. So I assume this operation would require this person to use a LOT of immunosuppressant drugs and the organ will likely still fail in a couple of years.
HemiHauler
Well-Known Member
No immunosuppressants are required. The pig has been genetically modified such that a protein which has been problematic previously had been removed.
He won’t live long. Pigs don’t really live all that long. This just gives him a few (ostensibly) good years and brings the doctors and researchers involved lots of fame.
Clem72
Well-Known Member
I just read a separate article that had more information. That genetic modification made it possible in the first place, but it actually requires MORE immunosuppressants, not less.
Man gets genetically-modified pig heart in world-first transplant
David Bennett, 57, is doing well three days after the experimental surgery, doctors say.
See, and I'm good with death. My mom says she is too, so we're in agreement in case I ever have to make medical decisions for her.
Medical experimentation creeps me out. These weird Mengele/Moreau doctors transplanting and mixing species - ack. But if other people are willing, more power to 'em.
TPD
the poor dad
What don't you understand? ED - he was a horse on that famous TV show in the 60s - MR ED