In January 2022, the heart of a genetically modified pig was transplanted into a human for the first time. David Bennett
After successful transplantation, the conduction systemThe transplanted pig heart was monitored using ECG. The researchers examined ECG data recorded one day after xenotransplantation surgery (organ transplantation in which the donor and recipient belong to different species).
They examined parameters such as the QT interval,PR interval and QRS complex. The first of them indicates the time during which the electric current passes from the lower chamber of the heart, and the other two - from the upper chamber to the lower. All of these parameters are related to the movement of electrical current through the heart during contraction.
The researchers expected that the xenograftwill behave in the same way as pig hearts usually behave. Electricity moves faster from the upper chamber to the lower, resulting in a faster contraction cycle. This is due to the anatomical features of the structure of the heart of this animal. However, the study showed that the contraction time was not only longer than that of a pig, but also than that of an ordinary person.
PR, QRS and QT time intervals for the heartof a normal pig inside the pig's body are 50–120 milliseconds (ms), 70–90 ms, and 260–380 ms, respectively. Moreover, for a transplant obtained from a pig, they were 190 ms, 138 ms and 538 ms, respectively.
The researchers believe that the results of the currentresearch will help them understand the various complexities of transplanting organs from other species. Differences in ECG readings highlight the effect of transplantation on the electrical conduction system of the heart, studying their causes, it will be possible to increase the chances of a successful operation. The results of this study will be presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Meeting in November.
Read more:
Scientists have seen what is on the territory of the Mayan capital. The find surprised them.
An invisible sweater has been created. It will help to "escape" from artificial intelligence
Britain's oldest human DNA reveals who migrated to the country BC
Cover image: American Heart Association