Have you heard of xenotransplantation?

Question

"Xenotransplantation is the transplantation of living cells, tissues or organs from one species to another.[1] Such cells, tissues or organs are called xenografts or xenotransplants." Typically animal organs or tissue are transplanted into humans.

So far no organs have been successful long term but science doesn't seem to be far from its goals. Organs from pigs and baboons are usually the main choice.  On one side, about 25-40% of patients on the organ waiting lists die before they receive an organ so this would greatly reduce the deaths. On the other hand, health officials worry about disease transmission from animal to human. Many ethical arguments are also made.

What are your thoughts?

Answer

There is an older movie out. I forget the name of it. But one of the main characters has a baboon heart.

Speaking as someone who has watched people die waiting for organs I am in favor of things that extend a person's quality of life and longevity.

But I do have concerns. Disease transmission being the biggest. 
But also how are these organs harvested?  Are we slaughtering animals for organs? Are we harvesting after they die naturally? Where are these animals living? Farms? In the wild?  Zoos? 
What kind of testing is done?

I'm not against it but I have reservations.

Answer

I had my mitral valve repaired, and I had to pick between a pig/cow valve or a mechanical valve as a backup in case they had to replace it. An animal valve would have lasted only 5 years at my age but in older people they last 10-15 apparently. It's crazy to think that it can work so well.

Answer

So how are these creatures treated in comparison to those we insert into our mouths I wonder? Something to research later.

Answer

My great grandma had a pigs heart valve.

Answer

Pig valves have been used. 
I think there's an ethical delimma with animals like baboons who are just going to be killed for organs, but I don't have a problem with pig organs, as pigs are slaughtered for meat anyways.

Answer

They already use porcine and cow valves in heart surgeries and different grafting techniques in other types of surgeries. Once it's been thoroughly tested I wouldn't have a problem with it.... If its a healthy organ and will work in my body and keep me alive it seems like a win to me!

Have you heard of xenotransplantation?

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