Richard “Rick” Slayman the first person to receive a genetically-modified pig kidney transplant passed away nearly two months after the groundbreaking surgery according to his family and the hospital that performed the procedure. Slayman was 62 years old at the time of the transplant which took place in late March at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Slayman had previously received a human kidney transplant in 2018 but when that kidney began to fail last year he agreed to undergo a transplant with a pig kidney. “After his transplant Rick said that one of the reasons he underwent this procedure was to provide hope for the thousands of people who need a transplant to survive” Slayman’s family said in a statement. “Rick accomplished that goal and his hope and optimism will endure forever.”
Richard,1st man who received #PIG kidney has died after two month of operation.
Heartfelt condolences to the beareaved loved ones of the recent Pig kidney Transplant Recipient!
He will forever be seen as a beacon of hope to countless transplant patients worldwide #MedTwitter pic.twitter.com/bmeINNF5OZ
— Indian Doctor🇮🇳 (@Indian__doctor) May 13, 2024
The family described Slayman’s legacy as one that “inspires patients researchers and health care professionals everywhere” and asked for privacy as they remember “the beautiful soul of our beloved Rick.”
Massachusetts General Hospital stated that there is no indication Slayman’s death was the result of his March procedure. “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 hospital said.
🔅First Person to Receive Pig Kidney Transplant Dies Nearly Two Months Later.
An American man who was the first in the world to undergo a pig kidney transplant has died less than two months after the procedure, despite having been told it would last him two years.🙁 pic.twitter.com/iwsQEoEy2F
— Insider | UK (@Insider_news_UK) May 13, 2024
Slayman’s passing comes nearly two months after he made history as the first person to receive a genetically-modified pig kidney transplant. His willingness to undergo the experimental procedure has been hailed as a significant step forward in the field of xenotransplantation which seeks to address the shortage of human organs available for transplantation by using organs from other species.
Richard "Rick" Slayman, 62, who made medical history as the first recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney transplant, has tragically passed away just two months following the groundbreaking operation. pic.twitter.com/4hupmyM7wi
— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) May 13, 2024
While the cause of Slayman’s death has not been directly linked to the pig kidney transplant his case underscores the need for continued research and monitoring of patients who undergo such experimental procedures. As scientists and medical professionals work to advance this field Slayman’s legacy will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration and reminder of the potential benefits and risks associated with xenotransplantation.
