

The Organ Transplant Revolution Starts Here
7 snips Jun 20, 2025
Robert Montgomery is a pioneering transplant surgeon who not only received a heart transplant himself but also made headlines by performing the first pig kidney transplant in a brain-dead patient. In this discussion, he tackles the urgent organ transplant crisis, where over 100,000 people are on waiting lists. Montgomery highlights the potential of using genetically engineered animal organs, like pig kidneys, to combat shortages. He shares his personal journey through kidney failure and the ethical implications of xenotransplantation, offering a beacon of hope for those in need.
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Montgomery's Cardiac Arrest Story
- Robert Montgomery nearly died from cardiac arrest in remote Patagonia with CPR performed by his son.
- His family has a tragic history of dilated cardiomyopathy causing early deaths.
Organ Shortage Crisis
- Only 10% of patients qualify for organ transplants due to severe rationing of organs.
- Even when listed, 17 people die every day waiting for organs, showing a dire shortage.
Gene-Edited Pig Organs
- Genetic editing of pigs removes rejection-causing genes like GGTA1 to make their organs compatible with humans.
- This use of CRISPR editing decades after old xenotransplant attempts is revolutionizing the field.