Story highlights Fungal infection compromises blood flow to transplanted organ

Cleveland Clinic voluntarily halts clinical trial while adjusting protocols

(CNN) A yeast infection led to the failure of the first uterus transplant performed in the United States, the Cleveland Clinic said Friday.

In February, 26-year-old Lindsey McFarland, whose last name was previously not released, became the first patient in the United States to receive a uterus transplant. Cleveland Clinic doctors transplanted the organ from a deceased donor during a nine-hour surgery.

McFarland, a mother of three boys who were adopted through the foster system, spoke to reporters in March, less than two weeks after undergoing the experimental procedure.

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"I was 16 and was told I would never have children and from that moment on, I've prayed that God would allow me that opportunity to experience pregnancy. And here we are today at the beginning of that journey," she said while sitting in a wheelchair with her husband, Blake, standing behind her.

On Friday, Cleveland Clinic transplant surgeon Dr. Andreas Tzakis said McFarland developed a fever later that day that led to emergency surgery to remove the uterus. "We were watching her very closely. This presented in such an insidious way that it was a surprise."

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