| Guðmundur Felix Grétarsson | |
| Known For: | Receiving double-arm and shoulder transplant in 2021 |
Guðmundur Felix Grétarsson (born 1972) is a former electrician from Iceland who lost both arms while working on the job.[1] [2] At the age of 48, Guðnundur Felix received world's first double-arm and shoulder transplant from doctors in France. The transplant was deemed successful.[3]
In April 2024, he announced his candidacy for the 2024 Icelandic presidential election.[4]
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.[5]
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.[6] On January 13, 2021, Guðmundur Felix went under for the double-arm transplant. The surgery lasted 15 hours.[7]
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.