Patient Who Received World’s First Pig Kidney Transplant Dies 2 Months After Surgery
Pioneering Patient in Genetically-Modified Pig Kidney Transplant Pig kidney transplant dies.
Richard Slayman, the 62-year-old man who made history as the first human to receive a genetically-modified pig kidney transplant, has sadly passed away two months after the groundbreaking operation. Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) announced the news on Sunday, stating that there was no indication that his death was related to the transplant.
On March 16, a team of skilled surgeons at MGH performed the revolutionary surgery, transplanting a genetically-edited pig kidney into Slayman’s body. The four-hour procedure was deemed a success, offering new hope for thousands of people awaiting transplants.
Slayman, who had been living with type 2 diabetes and hypertension for years, had previously undergone a kidney transplant from a deceased human donor in 2018. However, the transplanted kidney failed five years later, forcing him to resume dialysis in May 2023.
Despite the challenges he faced, Slayman remained optimistic and courageous, inspiring his loved ones and the medical community with his determination. His family praised his kindness, sense of humor, and dedication to those around him, saying, “Rick accomplished his goal of providing hope for others, and his legacy will endure forever.”
Slayman’s pioneering spirit and selflessness have opened doors to new possibilities in organ transplantation, offering a beacon of hope for those waiting for a life-saving transplant. His memory will live on through the countless lives he has touched and the medical advancements that will continue to evolve as a result of his bravery.
Pig kidney transplant dies
Here are the details of the world’s first pig kidney transplant recipient.
Name: Richard “Rick” Slayman
Age: 62 years old
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Medical History:
- Had type 2 diabetes and hypertension
- Had a kidney transplant in 2018
- Had to go back to dialysis in May 2023 after the transplanted kidney failed
Pig Kidney Transplant:
- First living human to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant
- Underwent the procedure on March 16, 2024
- The surgery took four hours and was deemed successful
Death:
- Passed away nearly two months after the procedure
- No indication that his death was a result of the transplant
- His family thanked his doctors and said that his legacy will inspire patients, researchers and health care professionals
