Baby gets heart transplant with immune tissue

Duke University doctors say a baby is thriving after a first-of-its-kind heart transplant that came with the bonus of some immune-system tissue implanted to help prevent rejection of the new organ.

The thymus plays a critical role in building the immune system. Easton Sinnamon of Asheboro, North Carolina, received his unique transplant last summer when he was 6 months old.

Doctors have long wondered if implanting thymus tissue that matched a donated organ might help it survive without the recipient needing toxic anti-rejection medicines.

Turek, a member of the surgical team, says if it works, it could be attempted with other organ transplants, not just the heart.