Richard Slayman, a resident of Massachusetts, tragically passed away at the age of 62 just two months following a groundbreaking medical procedure: the world’s first successful pig kidney transplant. This procedure, known as xenotransplantation, was Slayman’s final option due to his complex medical background.
The pig kidney that was transplanted into Slayman had undergone 69 genomic modifications before the procedure, as reported by The US Sun. Despite the extensive preparation, Slayman’s passing occurred without any immediate indication of a direct link to the transplant, according to a statement from the transplant team at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston.
The hospital expressed deep sorrow at Slayman’s sudden demise and emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting that his recent transplant contributed to his death. The team hailed Slayman as a symbol of hope for transplant patients globally and acknowledged his bravery in advancing the field of xenotransplantation.
Slayman’s medical history was intricate, and the genetically modified pig kidney represented his last chance at survival. During his recovery period at the hospital, there was a concerning episode of organ rejection, a common complication in transplant cases. However, swift medical intervention successfully stabilized the situation with a three-day course of high-dose steroids. Following this scare, Slayman was discharged from the hospital, with the kidney showing signs of stability.
