对此，夏家红和董念国组织心脏外科、肝移植中心、麻醉科等多个学科反复论证。今年 1月，团队为李磊进行高难度接力移植，先耗时143分钟精细切除病变心脏并成功植入供心， 随后完成病肝切除与供肝植入，20余位专家携手，助其闯过了感染关、排斥关、呼吸关、营 养关。 截至目前，协和医院完成了3例心肝联合移植，占全国总量的三分之一。该院30年来已 完成心脏移植1200余例，5年生存率达89.1%。 编辑：李智恒 "心脏和肝脏相互拖累，必须同时移植。"协和医院心脏大血管外科主任董念国教授表 示，单进行心脏移植，不仅心肌功能恢复不佳，而且围术期可能发生肝衰竭导致前功尽弃。 董念国解释，心脏与肝脏同衰，本是绝境，两次开胸手术后再行联合移植，更是难上加 难：既要处理心脏移植后心肌恢复与肝脏功能的相互影响，更要攻克患者心包腔、胸腔、胸 骨、心脏、肺脏以及人工血管的组织的严重粘连难题。该患者还患有淤血性肝硬化肝衰竭， 伴有蛋白质严重丢失性肠病，这带来了巨大的手术风险。 心肝联合移植被称为器官移植领域的"珠穆朗玛峰"。8月6日，华中科技大学同济医学院 附属协和医院（以下简称协和医院）宣布，该院今年1月实施的全国首例Fontan术后心肝联 ...

Core Insights - Researchers have successfully cultivated human heart cells within pig embryos, marking a significant advancement in the field of organ transplantation and regenerative medicine [1][2][4] Group 1: Research Findings - The embryos containing human cells survived for 21 days, during which the small hearts began to beat [1][4] - The research involved reprogramming human stem cells to enhance their survival in pig embryos by introducing genes that prevent cell death and promote growth [3][4] - The team previously succeeded in cultivating early human kidneys in pig embryos, which survived for a month, and aimed to achieve similar results with the heart [2][3] Group 2: Methodology - Specific genes essential for heart development were knocked out in the pig embryos, allowing human stem cells to be injected during the early embryonic stage [3][4] - The human cells were marked with fluorescent biological markers to identify them within the developing heart [4][5] Group 3: Future Implications - The research could potentially address the global shortage of transplantable organs by creating animal models that can grow human organs [2][6] - There is a need for further analysis to confirm the composition of the heart cells, as complete human cell integration is crucial for successful transplantation [6][7]

Core Insights - The article discusses a groundbreaking study published in Nature, where researchers successfully cultivated a small human heart within a pig embryo, which was able to beat and survive for 21 days [1][4]. Group 1: Research Findings - Scientists have previously transplanted gene-edited pig organs (kidneys, hearts) into humans, and are now exploring the creation of human-animal chimeras to address global organ transplant shortages [4]. - The research team, led by researcher Lai Liangxue, reported the cultivation of a humanized heart in pig embryos, marking a significant advancement in xenotransplantation [5][6]. - The pig is considered a suitable donor species due to its organ size and anatomical similarities to humans [6]. Group 2: Methodology - The team utilized a method involving the creation of pig embryos lacking specific genes necessary for heart development, followed by the injection of human stem cells to promote the formation of the heart [5][6]. - The embryos were implanted into a sow for further development, and the resulting hearts reached a developmental stage comparable to that of a human heart at 21 days [7]. Group 3: Observations and Future Directions - The chimeric pig embryos could grow for a maximum of 21 days, after which they could not survive, potentially due to human cells disrupting pig heart function [7]. - The study did not disclose the proportion of human cells within the hearts, although previous research indicated that human cells constituted 40%-60% in pig kidneys [7]. - For future developments, it is essential that the heart is entirely composed of human cells to prevent immune rejection in human recipients [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a groundbreaking study published in Nature, where researchers successfully cultivated a small human heart within a pig embryo, which was able to beat and survive for 21 days [1][4]. Group 1: Research Background - Scientists have previously succeeded in transplanting gene-edited pig organs (kidneys, hearts) into humans, and are now exploring the creation of human-animal chimeras to address global organ transplant shortages [3]. - A method to create chimeric animals involves generating embryos lacking specific genes necessary for certain organs and injecting human stem cells into these embryos [4][6]. Group 2: Research Findings - The research team, led by researcher Lai Liangxue, reported the first instance of cultivating a humanized heart in pig embryos, which began beating during the 21-day survival period [4][6]. - The team enhanced the survival of human stem cells in pigs by reprogramming them with genes that prevent cell death and promote growth, and then created pig embryos with two key heart development genes knocked out [7]. Group 3: Observations and Implications - The chimeric pig embryos grew for a maximum of 21 days, after which they could not survive, potentially due to human cells disrupting pig heart function [8]. - The hearts developed to a size comparable to that of a human heart at 21 days and were observed to be beating, although the proportion of human cells in the heart was not disclosed [8][10]. - For future development of transplantable hearts for humans, it is crucial that the organ is composed entirely of human cells to prevent immune rejection [10].

Industry Overview - Regenerative medicine (RM) utilizes biological and engineering theories to promote self-repair and regeneration of the body, or to construct new tissues and organs for repairing, regenerating, and replacing damaged tissues and organs [1][4] - The global regenerative medicine market is expanding, with the market size projected to grow from $20.04 billion in 2021 to $35.82 billion in 2024 [1][12] Market Status - Regenerative medicine is considered the "third medical revolution" following drug and surgical treatments, becoming a core component of life science strategies globally [6][12] - The industry includes upstream raw materials and equipment supply, midstream product R&D and production, and downstream application through medical institutions and aesthetic organizations [4][12] Policy and Regulatory Environment - Various countries have implemented policies to promote the development of regenerative medicine, such as the U.S. "21st Century Cures Act" and the EU's regulations on biotechnology [7][9] - In China, policies have been established to support the clinical application of regenerative medicine technologies, including the management of stem cell therapies and the promotion of innovative medical technologies [9][23] Market Competition - The regenerative medicine sector has attracted numerous companies, with major players including Johnson & Johnson, Bard, Geistlich, and domestic firms like Zhenghai Biological, Guanhou Biological, and Maipu Medical [16][18] - The market is characterized by a diverse range of products and applications, with companies focusing on specific therapeutic areas such as cancer treatment, tissue repair, and organ transplantation [18][20] Development Trends - The industry is witnessing technological integration and innovation, with advancements in 3D bioprinting, gene editing, and artificial intelligence enhancing treatment efficacy [22][24] - The dual drive of policy support and capital investment is accelerating the commercialization of regenerative medicine, with increasing coverage of medical insurance for regenerative products [23][24]

TransMedics Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMDX) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call February 27, 2025 4:30 PM ET Company Participants Laine Morgan - Gilmartin Group, Investor Relations Waleed Hassanein - President and Chief Executive Officer Gerardo Hernandez - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Allen Gong - JPMorgan Josh Jennings - TD Cowen Bill Plovanic - Canaccord Suraj Kalia - Oppenheimer Chris Pasquale - Nephron Research Matthew O'Brien - Piper Sandler David Rescott - Baird Mike Matson - Needham & ...