'Changed the world': Baby boy thriving 1 year after 'world's first partial heart transplant'

In a significant medical development reported by Duke Health, a child who received a pioneering "partial heart transplant," the first of its kind globally, is thriving a year after the transformative treatment, based on a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Owen Monroe, born with a congenital heart disorder, required corrective treatment of his heart valves and arteries. At 17 days old, he experienced an unprecedented procedure in spring 2022 to rectify the issue. Doctors now report that his heart valves and arteries are developing as if original to his body.

Dr. Joseph W. Turek, chief of pediatric cardiac surgery at Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center Durham, in North Carolina, said on Good Morning America, "This was completely uncharted territory." The pioneering method involved integrating valves and arteries from a donated heart into Owen's, intending to provide him with a lasting solution for his ailment. The heart components originated from another living baby who required a full heart transplant but owned functioning valves and arteries.

Other options were not adequate for Owen. Synthetic valves entailed numerous replacements as Owen grew, which would pose a high risk of death with every surgery. A complete heart transplant also carried risks, such as a lifetime of immunosuppressants and anti-rejection medication, potentially causing fatal complications. Turek mentioned, "What we found is that with partial heart transplants, you're on about a quarter of that dose, and it's not a life-altering dose."

Owen's parents spoke on the frightening time before their son's partial transplant surgery. His mother, Tayler Monroe, remembered, "He went into stage four heart failure within a few hours after birth." His father, Nick Monroe, expressed, "He was pretty much already out of options." Ultimately, a partial heart transplant was deemed the best therapy for Owen.

The Monroes are incredibly grateful to their donor's family. Sharing their experience with the family of Kane Pachot, whose heart valves and arteries were donated to save Owen, has raised awareness about organ donation's crucial significance.

Owen's successful case has led the way for 12 other children to benefit from this lifesaving operation, known as a domino heart transplant. Tayler Monroe commented, "It's literally changed the world, and it's incredible to be part of it." Duke Health is hoping to introduce the partial transplant treatment as a full clinical trial, potentially increasing heart availability.