An Arkansas military veteran has become the first patient in the world to have another person’s eye transplanted after a near-fatal electrical accident.
Aaron James (46) miraculously survived a 7,200 volt electric shock in 2021 when his face accidentally hit high voltage wires.
As a result of the accident, he sustained serious injuries to his left arm, nose, lips, front teeth, left cheek and chin. His eye also had to be removed.
In May, a team of 140 surgeons, nurses and other medical professionals at NYU Langone in New York City performed a 21-hour eye and partial face transplant, the first operation of its kind.
Previously, an eye transplant was considered impossible due to the complex network of nerves and blood vessels that connect the eye to the brain.
Doctors now say it is possible that a child’s father may finally be able to see through the transplanted eye.
Aaron James, 46, became the first patient in the world to have another person’s eye transplanted after a near-fatal electrical accident
Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez (right), senior surgeon and director of the face transplant program at NYU Langone, led the 21-hour operation
Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez, senior surgeon and director of the face transplant program at NYU Langone, said, “The simple fact that we performed the first successful full-face eye transplant is a monumental achievement that many have long thought impossible.” ‘
“We have taken a big step forward and paved the way for the next chapter of restoring the vision.”
The team of Dr. Rodriguez just two months after the accident of Mr. James’ injury was learned, and doctors discussed the possibility of a face transplant with his care team in Texas the following year.
Mr. James’ left eye was removed due to severe pain, which Dr. led Rodriguez to consider an eye transplant.
“Because Aaron needed a face transplant and would be taking immunosuppressants anyway, the risk-benefit ratio of an eye transplant was very low,” said Dr. Rodriguez.
“Despite the successful transplant of the eye, it would still be a remarkable achievement from a cosmetic perspective.”
Mr. James was able to return to Arkansas with his wife Meagan and daughter Allie (pictured here).
Mr James (pictured with his wife Meagan) spent just 17 days in intensive care
Mr James waited just three months for a donor, a man in his 30s. The donor also donated his kidneys, liver and pancreas to patients aged between 20 and 70.
“I am incredibly grateful to the donor and his family who gave me a second chance in life during their difficult time. I hope the family finds comfort in knowing that a part of the donor remains with me,” said Mr James.
In May, Dr. Rodriguez and a team of 140 people with the 21-hour operation, which took place in two operating rooms.
One team was with mr. James into the room and removed parts of the face that needed to be replaced, while another dissected the donor’s face and eyeball.
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The biggest challenge was connecting the eye to the optic nerve, a part of the central nervous system that transmits visual information to the brain, helping the nerves to recover over time.
To do this, the team combined the donor eye with adult stem cells from the donor’s bone marrow. These cells were injected into the optic nerve in hopes of helping the nerves regenerate and eventually restore vision.
Dr. Samer Al-Homsi, executive director of NYU Langone’s Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Center, said, “This is the first attempt to inject adult stem cells into a human optic nerve during transplantation in hopes of improving nerve regeneration.”
Although Mr. James can’t see out of sight yet, the team said it could possibly be in the future.
“We have now shown that the procedure is safe and potentially effective, but we need time to determine whether this step plays a role in increasing the chance of vision recovery and whether anything can be done in the future to optimize the procedure ,” said doctor. Al-Homsi.
Mr. James spent just 17 days in intensive care, one of the shortest recoveries Dr. Rodriguez ever saw it. He was released in July and sent to outpatient rehabilitation.
In September, James was able to return to Arkansas with his wife Meagan and daughter Allie.
He plans to undergo dental treatment in the coming months.
Dr. Bruce Gelb, a transplant surgeon at the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, said, “The progress we’ve seen in the eye is extraordinary, especially considering that five months after the procedure we have a viable cornea, combined with a retina, which makes it possible. good circulation.” indicate. ‘
“This far exceeds our original expectations, as we initially hoped the eye would survive at least 90 days.”
“We will continue to monitor developments and I am excited to see what else we can learn over time.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
