First pig kidney transplant patient dies 2 months after procedure

The first living person to receive a kidney from a genetically modified pig tragically passed away, just two months after the groundbreaking transplant. The recipient, Rick Slayman, underwent the procedure due to complications from dialysis, which required frequent hospital admissions.

Slayman viewed the transplant not only as a personal opportunity but also as a source of hope for others in need of organ transplants. His family expressed gratitude for his role in advancing xenotransplantation. Despite Slayman’s optimism upon leaving the hospital after the procedure, his passing has saddened many. The transplant team at Mass General stated that there were no indications linking his death to the recent transplant. They described Slayman as a beacon of hope for transplant patients worldwide and extended heartfelt condolences to his family.