Mayo Clinic has successfully performed its first larynx transplant after 15 years of research, developing microsurgery techniques and studying methods to prevent organ rejection. The procedure included transplanting nearby organs and tissues, such as the thyroid gland and upper esophagus, in a composite neck transplant. The transplant team will closely monitor the patient’s post-transplant care, looking for signs of rejection and assessing the larynx’s function and the patient’s quality of life. Mayo Clinic plans to continue perfecting larynx transplant surgeries over the next five years, aiming to restore patients’ ability to breathe, swallow, and protect their airways through regenerative medicine.
Mayo Clinic successfully completes its first larynx transplant, a groundbreaking procedure that involved years of meticulous research and preparation. The transplant team honed their microsurgery techniques through extensive studies, connecting the donor organ to intricate blood vessels. In addition, the team tackled the challenge of organ rejection by testing various immunosuppressant medications to ensure the newcomer larynx would function effectively in regulating breathing, swallowing, and protecting the airway.
This composite neck transplant, which included adjacent organs and tissues like the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, upper esophagus, upper trachea, and skin, marked a significant milestone in the field of regenerative medicine and complex transplantation. Dr. Lot’s team is dedicated to monitoring the patient’s progress post-operation and observing factors such as rejection levels, larynx functionality, and overall quality of life. Mayo Clinic looks to further refine this research-informed surgery over the next five years, with a focus on enhancing the patient’s natural tissue regeneration and immune system compatibility.
The Mayo Clinic News Network, represented by Susan Buckles, highlights the pioneering work of Dr. Lot’s team and their commitment to understanding the intricacies of regenerative medicine in transplantation. Through ongoing research and patient care, Mayo Clinic aims to advance the field of larynx transplants and harness the potential of regenerative medicine to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients in need of complex transplants.