Only a few windpipe , or similar , operations have ever been done . Transplant given to Claudia Castillo , a 30-year - old Colombian mother of two . Castillo 's stem cells used to create cartilage , tissue cells to cover new windpipe . Some believe this could become a new method of surgery .
Only a few windpipe , or trachea , transplants have ever been done . Transplant given to Claudia Castillo , a 30-year-old Colombian mother of two . Woman 's stem cells used to create cartilage , tissue cells to cover new windpipe . Doctors say procedure could become a new standard of treatment .