Doctors in USA have transplanted pig's heart into a man. It is first time this has happened. The doctors are from University of Maryland Medical Center. They say David Bennett, 57, is doing well after his operation. Mr Bennett was very ill. The doctors said giving him pig's heart was only chance of keeping him alive. Bennett spoke to doctors day before the operation. He said: "It was either die or do this transplant. I want to live. I know it's shot in dark, but it's my last choice." The pig's heart came from genetically-modified pig. Scientists changed genes of the pig so its heart would be more suitable for transplant into human.
transplant operation took seven hours. Doctors received special permission from U.S. authorities for experimental surgery. Without it, Mr Bennett would have died. Scientists have been researching pig-organ transplants for years. They believe Mr Bennett's transplant means more transplants could take place in future. They said this could bring the world, "one step closer to solving the organ shortage crisis". Surgeon Dr Bartley Griffith said: "We are also optimistic that this first-in--world surgery will provide important new option for patients in the future." Mr Bennett hopes his transplant will allow him to live longer. He said: "I look forward to getting out of bed after I recover."
