Bayville Woman Who Got 1st-Ever Pig Kidney/Heart Pump Combo Dies

BERKELEY, NJ — A local woman and Navy veteran who received the first-ever combined mechanical heart pump and gene-edited pig kidney transplant has died at 54.

Lisa Pisano, a longtime resident of Ocean Gate and Bayville, died surrounded by family and friends on July 7, according to her obituary.

Pisano graduated from Central Regional High School and served in the Navy before becoming a mother and later, grandmother. But she is called a “hero to the medical community” after undergoing surgery to receive a heart pump and a pig kidney transplant at NYU Langhorne Health earlier this year.

Before the procedure, Pisano was facing heart failure and end-stage kidney disease that required routine dialysis, according to NYU Langhorne Health. Her chronic health conditions meant she was not a candidate for heart and kidney transplants. Still, Pisano said she wanted to see her grandchildren grow.

“All I want is the opportunity to have a better life,” she said. “After I was ruled out for a human transplant, I learned I didn't have a lot of time left. My doctors thought there may be a chance I could be approved to receive a gene-edited pig kidney, so I discussed it with my family and my husband. He has been by my side throughout this ordeal and wants me to be better.”

The heart pump was implanted on April 4, and the pig kidney transplant was on April 12. Unfortunately, the procedures provided unique challenges to Pisano's health, and the pig kidney was electively removed on May 29, just 47 days after transplant.

“Lisa is a pioneer and a hero in the effort to create a sustainable option for people waiting for an organ transplant,” said Robert Montgomery, MD, PhD, who led the transplant surgery. “Her strength and bravery in the face of adversity inspires and drives us as we continue pursuing the hope and promise of xenotransplantation.”

“Sadly, she ultimately succumbed to her many health issues but will leave behind a legacy of determination and hope,” Pisano's obituary reads.

Before her procedures, there were no documented instances of anyone with a mechanical heart pump receiving an organ transplant of any kind, according to NYU Langhorne Health. It was only the second transplant of a gene-edited pig kidney into a living person.

“Lisa's contributions to medicine, surgery, and xenotransplantation cannot be overstated,” Montgomery said in a statement. “Her legacy as a pioneer will live on and she will forever be remembered for her courage and good nature.”