Richard Slayman, the first person to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant, passed away two months after the groundbreaking surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital.
While the cause of death remains unknown, the hospital confirmed it wasn’t related to the transplant itself.
The story captured worldwide attention, offering a beacon of hope for those suffering from end-stage kidney disease.
The success of the surgery, which involved transplanting a genetically altered pig kidney into a human recipient, marked a significant advancement in xenotransplantation, the field of transplanting organs between different species.
Slayman’s family remembers him as a courageous individual who selflessly contributed to medical progress.
“The hospital truly did everything they could to help give Rick a second chance.”
“Their enormous efforts leading the xenotransplant gave our family seven more weeks with Rick, and our memories made during that time will remain in our minds and hearts,” his family said.
Although the outcome wasn’t what everyone had hoped for, Slayman’s case paves the way for further research and development in xenotransplantation.
