A 58-year-old man died almost six weeks after becoming the second person in the world to have a pig heart transplant. As previously reported by The Shade Room, Lawrence Faucette underwent the treatment in September, which medical experts deemed a success.

David Bennett Sr. received the same treatment in January 2022 and died two months later.

A pig’s heart was successfully transplanted into a dying man by doctors in Maryland, making him the second patient to undergo the experimental procedure.

According to the Associated Press, the treatment was successful at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Lawrence Faucett, 58, had recovered nicely.

In fact, he was reported to be sitting up and smiling just a few days after the surgery that saved his life.

Dr. Muhammad Mohiuddin, a xenotransplantation expert, said after Faucette’s operation, “It’s just an amazing feeling to see this pig heart work in a human.”

Nonetheless, he stated that the coming weeks are critical and added, “We don’t want to predict anything.” We will celebrate each day as a win and keep moving ahead.”

Dr. Bartley Griffith, the surgeon, was amazed at the achievement, calling the successful treatment a “great privilege” that comes with “a lot of pressure.”

They also mentioned that the pig heart has apparently undergone 10 distinct genetic alterations in order to be more compatible with the human immune system.

It was stated at the time that the transplant spared Faucette from cardiac failure. Furthermore, doctors were astounded by the procedure’s effectiveness, despite the fact that they “didn’t want to predict anything.”

However, according to CNN, the pig’s heart had “began to show signs of rejection in recent days.” The medical center released a memorial on October 31, stating that Faucette died on October 30.

Furthermore, according to the medical facility, rejection is “the most significant challenge with traditional transplants involving human organs as well.”

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lawrence Faucette, the 58-year-old patient with terminal heart disease who received the world’s second genetically modified pig heart transplant. Mr. Faucette received the transplant on September 20 and lived for nearly six weeks following the surgery,” the memo reads. “Mr. Faucette had made significant progress after his surgery, engaging in physical therapy, spending time with family members, and playing cards with his wife, Ann. In recent days, his heart began to show initial signs of rejection—the most significant challenge with traditional transplants involving human organs as well. Despite the medical team’s greatest efforts, Mr. Faucette ultimately succumbed on October 30.”

Ann Faucette, Faucette’s wife, also shared a remark on the medical center’s memorial page. According to the widow, her husband “knew his time was short,” but he saw his transplant as his “last chance to do for others.”

According to CNN, Faucette’s “heart disease and pre-existing conditions” disqualified him from receiving a “traditional human heart transplant.”