Aaron James, a 46-year-old military veteran, was the recipient of the world's first whole-eye and partial-face transplant. This landmark surgery was performed by a surgical team at NYU Langone Health in May 2023. His surgery represents a significant medical advancement in the field of transplantation.
The Procedure and Recovery
The surgery, a complex undertaking involving over 140 surgeons, addressed the extensive damage James sustained to his face and eye in a 2021 high-voltage electrical accident. The procedure involved transplanting a whole eye along with a partial face.
Over a year later, in September 2024, reports indicate James has made a remarkable recovery and is back to daily life in Arkansas. This demonstrates the success of this pioneering procedure and the ongoing advancements in reconstructive surgery.
Key Details:
- Recipient: Aaron James
- Surgical Team: NYU Langone Health
- Date of Surgery: May 2023
- Procedure: Whole-eye and partial-face transplant
- Reason for surgery: High-voltage electrical accident resulting in extensive facial and eye damage.
- Recovery: Remarkable recovery reported one year post-surgery.
While previous attempts at whole-eye transplants were made (such as the reported attempt by Dr. Conard Moore in 1969), Aaron James's surgery is recognized as the first successful whole-eye transplant in a human. The procedure showcases a remarkable feat of surgical precision and innovative techniques in vascular composite allotransplantation (VCA).
