The worlds most advanced face transplant

Firefighter Patrick Hardison (pictured above left before his accident) lost his face over 14 years ago when a roof collapsed during a house fire. Hardison was searching for a woman who may have been trapped in the house. Twenty-six year old David Rodebaugh lost his life after receiving head trauma in a bicycle accident. Rodebaugh's mother was pleased that her son could be used as a donor to help Hardison as she said that David had always wanted to be a firefighter. David's organs were also used to help other people. The 26 hour operation headed by Dr Eduardo Rodriguez (pictured above) was carried out at the NYU Langone Medical Centre in Manhattan. Hardison is now doing well and is very pleased with the outcome. More procedures are scheduled for the future. Hardison must continue to take medication to prevent his body from rejecting the transplanted tissue.