Guðmundur Felix Grétarsson
Born1972 (age 51–52)
Known forReceiving double-arm and shoulder transplant in 2021

Guðmundur Felix Grétarsson (born 1972) is an Icelandic former electrician who lost both arms while working on the job.[1][2] At the age of 48, Guðmundur Felix received a double-arm and shoulder transplant from doctors in France. The transplant was deemed successful.[3]

Injury

On January 12, 1998, Guðmundur Felix was working as an electrician in Reykjavík, Iceland. He was working on a set of powerlines when he grabbed one of the wires. 11,000 volts and 100 amps jumped through his arms, burning them. He fell breaking his back and neck. After being taken to the hospital, doctors deemed his arms too damaged to be saved. He underwent amputation on both arms followed by multiple surgeries over the next eleven months. In total, Guðmundur Felix underwent 54 surgeries in the first year.[4]

Double-arm transplant and outcome

Felix Gretarsson, five days after double arm- and shoulder transplant

In 2007, Guðmundur Felix approached a French doctor giving a lecture at an Icelandic university. The doctor agreed to look into his case. Several years later in 2011, he was asked to come to France for further medical testing. The surgery was planned and Guðmundur Felix was placed on the donor list in September 2016.[5] On January 13, 2021, Guðmundur Felix went under for the double-arm transplant. The surgery lasted 15 hours.[6]

In an interview 18 months post-op on June 10, 2022, Guðmundur Felix appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss the transplant and the aftermath. He reported having partial touch sensation throughout his entire arm. It was stated, shown, and demonstrated that he was able to lift light objects, hold hands, use a broom, hug, shake hands, shower and dress himself, and walk his dog. [7]

References

  1. ↑ Keller, Erin (10 June 2022). "I got world's first double arm transplant — and can finally hug my grandkids". New York Post. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
  2. ↑ Stefán Árni Pálsson (30 August 2018). "Missti báðar hendur fyrir tuttugu árum og bíður enn eftir nýjum". Vísir.is (in Icelandic). Retrieved 6 December 2022.
  3. ↑ Reneau, Annie (2 June 2021). "Man with world's first full double arm transplant is already making incredible progress". Upworthy. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
  4. ↑ "Talks about his success with a double arm and shoulder transplant operation". Iceland Monitor. 16 Jan 2022. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
  5. ↑ Mitchell, Stefan (26 March 2022). "I had the world's first double arm transplant. Now I can finally hug my daughters". 7NEWS. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
  6. ↑ Freyr Gígja Gunnarsson (14 January 2021). "Handleggir græddir á Guðmund Felix í Lyon". RÚV (in Icelandic). Retrieved 6 December 2022.
  7. ↑ First Person In The World To Have a Double Arm & Shoulder Transplant Tells His Miracle Story | GMB, retrieved 2023-05-11
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