Sweden trial starts in stem-cell windpipe transplants case
ABC News
A surgeon who made headlines in 2011 for carrying out the world’s first stem-cell windpipe transplants at Sweden’s leading hospital is on trial accused of aggravated assault against three of his patients
STOCKHOLM -- An Italian surgeon who made headlines in 2011 for carrying out the world’s first stem-cell windpipe transplants at Sweden's leading hospital went on trial Wednesday accused of aggravated assault against three of his patients.
Stem-cell scientist Dr. Paolo Macchiarini, who was once considered a leading figure in regenerative medicine, is credited with creating the world’s first windpipe partially made from a patient’s own stem cells.
In December 2018, Sweden decided to reopen a previously discontinued investigation into three cases. Additional written evidence was obtained, and more interviews were held with individuals in Sweden, Belgium, Britain, the United States and Spain.
Macchiarini appeared at the Solna District Court Wednesday but is first expected to be a witness Friday. His defense lawyer, Björn Hurtig, believes Macchiarini's former employer, Sweden’s prestigious Karolinska Institute, should be held responsible, Swedish broadcaster SVT said.
