New Medical Breakthrough: World’s First total Larynx Transplant

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[There is no limit to the amazing, unstoppable Western Science. Jan]

Mayo Clinic this week reported the results of the world’s first total larynx transplant on an active cancer patient. Four months after surgery, 59-year-old Marty Kedian has regained his ability to speak, swallow, and breathe independently.

Kedian, diagnosed with a rare form of laryngeal cancer called chondrosarcoma, underwent the complex 21-hour surgery as part of a clinical trial in February. The procedure involved transplanting his cancerous larynx (also known as the voice box) and other organs, including his pharynx, upper trachea, and thyroid (see overview). This marks the third documented total larynx transplant in the US and one of only a few documented worldwide. About 12,650 people in the US will be diagnosed with laryngeal cancer this year, or about 0.6% of all new cancer cases.

Separately, Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D, VA-10)—who was diagnosed last year with a rare neurological disorder that affects her ability to speak, hear, and move—debuted a new AI-generated voice, using recordings from before her diagnosis.