The first recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney transplant has died nearly two months after he underwent the procedure, his family and the hospital that performed the surgery said Saturday.
Richard “Rick” Slayman had the transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital in March at the age of 62. Surgeons said they believed the pig kidney would last for at least two years.
The transplant team at Massachusetts General Hospital said in a statement it was deeply saddened by Slayman’s passing and offered condolences to his family. They said they didn’t have any indication that he died as a result of the transplant.
I really appreciate this guy. He was close to dying when he got the pig’s kidney. He had to be very well informed on the risks. So where it was a purely desire to live longer or the knowledge that this would help progress this procedure for others. He was able to provide invaluable information by agreeing to this procedure. It’s too bad that his compounding medical issues didn’t let him enjoy the kidney for longer.