An Icelandic man has become the first person to receive a double arm and shoulder transplant in the world.
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48-year-old Felix Gretarsson was involved in a deadly accident where he was burned by a high voltage power line and he went into a three-month coma after the shock knocked him into the ground. Doctors had no choice but to perform a double amputation since the incident caused him to have multiple fractures and internal injuries.
More than 20 years after the accident, Gretarsson underwent a 14-hour surgery in Lyon, France, and is now the first person to receive the world’s first double arm and shoulder transplant. According to Metro UK, lead surgeon Aram Gazarian said in a statement that he hopes the surgery can be “life-changing” if Gretarsson can actively bend his elbow without any issues. Gretarsson’s wife said her husband was excited to receive the surgery and called it his “greatest dream.” The father of two also exclaimed that he felt hopeful about the surgery.
‘I can’t wait to attack this new way of living, I know I am not there yet. We have three years of rehabilitation (ahead), but I am super hopeful and super happy.’
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Doctors also reported the surgery was performed successfully with no issues.