Richard “Rick” Slayman, aged 62, who made headlines as the recipient of a groundbreaking genetically edited kidney from a pig, has passed away, as per recent reports.
Before undergoing the pioneering surgery in March, Richard had been battling end-stage kidney disease. Sadly, he succumbed to his condition merely two months after the procedure.
The news of his passing was confirmed by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), where the transplant took place, on Saturday.
“Mass General is deeply saddened at the sudden passing of Mr. Rick Slayman. We have no indication that it was the result of his recent transplant,” the hospital expressed in a statement issued late Saturday.
Although previous attempts at transplanting organs from genetically modified pigs have faced setbacks, Richard’s surgery marked a historic breakthrough.
Aside from his struggle with kidney disease, Richard also grappled with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Despite undergoing a human kidney transplant in 2018, his health declined as the organ began to fail after five years.
Following his pig kidney transplant on March 16, Richard’s doctors confirmed his freedom from dialysis, indicating that the new organ was functioning optimally.
While Richard made history as the first recipient of a pig kidney, he was not the first to receive a pig organ in a transplant procedure. Two other patients received pig heart transplants, albeit unsuccessfully, as they passed away shortly after the surgeries.
The statistics underscore the urgent need for organ donors, with over 100,000 individuals awaiting transplants nationwide, predominantly kidney patients. Tragically, thousands lose their lives each year while awaiting their turn.
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