In January we reported here on the positive news that a second patient, this time in USA, had received a tracheal transplant constructed using a synthetic trachea seeded with his own stem cells. Sadly it’s been reported that the patient, Christopher Lyles, has passed away, although the cause of his death has not been released at this time.
The announcement was made on Harvard Bioscience’s site and can be found here. The Harvard group developed the bioreactor in which Mr Lyles’ cells were replicated.
The operation to implant the trachea had taken place in Sweden’s famous Karolinska Hospital back in November, and by January Mr Lyles was reportedly doing well, eating and speaking on his own.
Our sympathy goes out to Mr Lyles’ family who have bravely said they don’t want his journey to be in vain and hope it will pave the way for further research and development of stem cell-based therapies.
Source: Harvard Bioscience
published: March 7, 2012 in: News, Oncology, Techniques, Technology, Thoracic/Respiratory