The first recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney transplant, has passed away nearly two months after undergoing the procedure.
Richard “Rick” Slayman, a 62-year-old patient, received the groundbreaking kidney transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. After just two weeks, in March, he was able to return to his home.
According to the New York Post, Rick’s family expressed their gratitude for the significant efforts behind the xenotransplant, which allowed them to spend an additional seven weeks with him. The memories created during that time will forever hold a special place in their hearts and minds.
The 62-year-old man who received the first-ever pig kidney transplant in the world has died, his family said. Richard Slayman underwent the four-hour procedure in March at Massachusetts General Hospital and was discharged from the hospital two weeks later. https://t.co/AB7xxxWrBZ pic.twitter.com/NOWnSxJ2Wi
— ABC News (@ABC) May 12, 2024
Richard “Rick” Slayman, who faced dialysis complications, underwent the procedure. These complications necessitated his admission to the hospital every two weeks.
In a statement, he expressed that he viewed the procedure not only as a means to aid himself but also as a beacon of hope for the thousands of individuals awaiting transplants to survive.
Rick’s family expressed that he achieved his goal, and his hope and optimism will be remembered indefinitely. The transplant team at Massachusetts General Hospital emphasized that there was no evidence linking his recent transplant to this outcome.
“Mr. Slayman will forever be seen as a beacon of hope to countless transplant patients worldwide, and we are deeply grateful for his trust and willingness to advance the field of xenotransplantation,” the facility said, according to NBC Boston.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Slayman’s family and loved ones as they remember an extraordinary person whose generosity and kindness touched all who knew him,” it added.
“Slayman emerged from the hospital after the groundbreaking procedure with a sense of optimism.
“This moment — leaving the hospital today with one of the cleanest bills of health I’ve had in a long time — is one I wished would come for many years. Now, it’s a reality and one of the happiest moments of my life,” he said at the time.
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