David Bennett, a 57-year-old man with fatal heart disease who received the world’s first pig heart transplant, has died.
Bennett died on Tuesday, according to a statement from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM).
He got a successful transplant of a genetically engineered pig’s heart in January.
The patient, who was believed to be suffering from life-threatening arrhythmia — a condition in which the heart beats in an erratic manner — was apparently left with no other options.
His condition has deteriorated in recent days, according to UMSOM, and “when it became evident that he would not recover, he was provided compassionate palliative care.”
In the hours leading up to his death, he was believed to have talked with his family members.
Bennett’s death was described as “devastating” by Bartley Griffith, the medical center’s director of the cardiac transplant program.
“We are devastated by the loss of Mr. Bennett. He proved to be a brave and noble patient who fought all the way to the end. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family,” he said.
