A man in Baltimore became the first person to receive a pig heart transplant.
A man got a pig heart transplant in Baltimore
David Bennett became the inaugural patient of a “shot in the dark” surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
The procedure - which took seven hours in total - highlighted to medical professionals that hearts from genetically modified animals can perform in a human body without constantly being rejected.
Speaking before the surgery, David said: "It was either die or do this transplant.
"I want to live. I know it’s a shot in the dark, but it’s my last choice."
Dr Muhammad Mohiuddin, a director at the hospital, admitted he was hopeful the procedure would have a wide-reaching impact.
He said: "If this works, there will be an endless supply of these organs for patients who are suffering."