Mayo Clinic performs first larynx transplant on Massachusetts man
Original story published 2024-09-18 00:58:03
STORY SUMMARY
In a pioneering medical achievement, the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale successfully performed the first-ever total larynx transplant on a patient with active throat cancer earlier this year. Massachusetts resident Marty Kian, who had his ability to speak and swallow severely impacted by a rare form of cancer, underwent a 21-hour surgery led by Dr. David Lott and a team of five surgeons. The complex procedure involved replacing Marty’s cancerous larynx with a healthy one from a donor, marking a significant advancement in cancer treatment. Just weeks after the surgery, Marty began to regain his speech, astonishing doctors with his rapid progress. Now back home, Marty continues to recover and aims to advocate for others facing similar challenges. The Mayo Clinic has since received approval to conduct additional larynx transplants as part of this groundbreaking clinical trial.
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FULL STORY
In a remarkable medical milestone, the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale performed the first successful total larynx transplant on a patient with active throat cancer earlier this year. This groundbreaking procedure was carried out on Massachusetts resident Marty Kian, who had been rendered unable to speak, swallow, or breathe independently due to a rare form of laryngeal cancer known as chondrosarcoma. Marty’s life was profoundly affected by his condition, leading to a sense of isolation and difficulty performing everyday tasks.
In a bid to improve his quality of life, Marty and his wife Gina discovered an unprecedented clinical trial at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, led by Dr. David Lott. In February, a team of six surgeons, including Dr. Lott, conducted a 21-hour surgery to remove Marty’s cancerous larynx and replace it with a healthy donor larynx. This surgery marked the first time such a procedure had been performed on a patient with active cancer, presenting a significant leap forward in cancer treatment and organ transplantation techniques.
Post-surgery, Marty’s recovery has surpassed expectations. Within weeks, he began speaking, with his voice now about 60% recovered. His ability to eat and perform other functions is steadily improving, showcasing the transformative impact of the transplant. This pioneering success offers hope to other patients suffering from similar conditions, as the Mayo Clinic continues to explore further larynx transplantations in cancer patients. Marty, now back home in Massachusetts, aims to share his journey and inspire others, aspiring to one day deliver a TED Talk. As the Mayo Clinic moves forward with additional transplants, Marty’s story symbolizes a beacon of hope for advancements in cancer treatment and patient recovery.
