Richard “Rick” Slayman, aged 62, battled end-stage kidney disease prior to undergoing surgery in March. He became the first individual to undergo a transplant involving a genetically modified pig kidney. However, the hospital where the procedure took place recently announced his passing, two months after the operation.
Mr. Slayman had been grappling with end-stage kidney disease before undergoing the groundbreaking surgery in March. Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), where the transplant was conducted, stated that there were no indications linking his demise to the transplant.
While previous attempts at transplanting organs from genetically modified pigs had failed, Mr. Slayman’s operation was regarded as a significant milestone. Apart from kidney disease, he also struggled with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. In 2018, he underwent a human kidney transplant, but the organ began to fail after five years.
Following his pig kidney transplant on March 16, doctors confirmed that he no longer required dialysis, indicating that the new organ was functioning effectively. MGH expressed gratitude to Mr. Slayman for his willingness to advance the field of xenotransplantation, referring to the transfer of living cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another.
His sudden passing deeply saddened MGH, which extended condolences to his family. Mr. Slayman’s relatives described his story as an inspiration, emphasizing his hope to provide encouragement for the thousands in need of transplants.
Though Mr. Slayman received the first pig kidney transplant, it wasn’t the inaugural use of pig organs in transplant procedures. Two other patients had previously received pig heart transplants, but unfortunately, they passed away shortly afterward. In one instance, signs of organ rejection were observed, a common risk in transplants.