Title: New York Surgeons Perform Groundbreaking Whole Eye and Partial Face Transplant
New York, USA – In a groundbreaking medical achievement, surgeons at NYU Langone Health have successfully performed the world’s first whole eye and partial face transplant. The pioneering surgery was conducted on Aaron James, a high-voltage lineman who suffered devastating injuries from a high-voltage electric shock.
The accident left James with severe facial damage, including the loss of his nose, cheek, lips, front teeth, and left arm up to the elbow. Over multiple surgeries, his damaged left eye was removed, but as much of the optic nerve as possible was retained.
In June 2022, a team of specialists at NYU Langone Health assessed James and decided to proceed with the unprecedented complete eye and partial face transplant. The procedure posed numerous challenges, including the risk of immune rejection, blood flow issues, and nerve connection difficulties inherent in the whole eye transplant. To tackle nerve regeneration challenges, stem cells were injected into James’ optic nerve.
A suitable donor was found through the organ procurement organization LiveOnNY, which provided the lower face, left eye, and sections of the skull for transplantation. The 21-hour surgery was a success, and over the following six months, James has made remarkable progress, regaining several lost functions such as the ability to smell, taste, and eat solid foods.
Although James is currently unable to see through the transplanted eye, there is hope for future advancements that could restore his sight. Expressing deep gratitude, James acknowledges the donor and their family for giving him a second chance at life. He also commends Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez and his team for their life-altering work.
Driven by the desire to inspire others facing severe facial and ocular injuries, James hopes that his journey can serve as motivation for individuals in similar situations.
The successful completion of this unprecedented surgery marks a significant milestone in the field of transplant surgery. It instills hope for future patients grappling with similar life-altering injuries, showcasing the immense potential of medical advancements and the indomitable spirit of patients and their surgeons.
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