On March 21, 2024, at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Rick Slayman, 62, of Weymouth, Massachusetts, became the first person in history to receive a kidney transplant from a pig. Despite the fact that organ transplants using genetically modified pigs had failed in the past, Slayman’s operation was heralded as a historic first. The 62-year-old guy reportedly had hypertension and Type 2 diabetes as well. In 2018, he underwent a human kidney transplant; however, the transplant failed after five years.
This event made him famous. Slayman was released from the hospital two weeks following the transplant to recuperate at home, but he died over two months later. In addition to expressing their sympathy, medical professionals have stated that they do not think Rick Slayman’s death had anything to do with the pig kidney and that the animal to human transplant may not have been the cause of his death.
What is Xenotransplantation?
The term “xenotransplantation” refers to any procedure that involves either (a) live cells, tissues, or organs from a nonhuman animal source, or (b) bodily fluids, tissues, cells, or organs from humans that have come into contact with living nonhuman animal tissues, cells, or organs outside of the body. This is defined by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In essence, it is the practice of treating people with organs and cells from animals. Human heart xenotransplantation was first attempted in the 1980s. The large discrepancy between the number of transplants patients required and the supply of donor organs made such a treatment necessary.
The first-ever human recipient of a pig kidney transplant fails.
As previously indicated, Rick Slayman, the first living recipient of a kidney transplant from a genetically altered pig, passed away around two months after making history, according to CNN. Slayman, 62, was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure last year and received the kidney at Massachusetts General Hospital in March. Slayman, a manager with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, underwent the four-hour surgery on his physicians’ advice and was released from the hospital in April.
‘No Indication’ Death Result Of Animal To Human Transplant: Hospital
The hospital has stressed that there is “no indication” that the transplant contributed to his death. After the procedure, the surgeons stated that they thought the donor kidney would survive for years, but they also noted that there are a lot of unknowns when it comes to transplanting animals into humans. Massachusetts General said in a statement, “We really appreciate Mr. Slayman’s trust and commitment to progress the field of xenotransplantation. He will always be remembered by numerous transplant patients around the world as a ray of hope.” “We extend our sincere sympathies to the family and loved ones of Mr. Slayman as they commemorate an exceptional individual whose magnanimity and benevolence impacted everyone he encountered.”
The Family Issues Statement of Rick Slayman
Slayman was a good man who was strongly devoted to the people in his life, according to his family. The family sent a statement, saying, “Everyone in our family is devastated about the sudden demise of our dear Rick but take immense comfort realizing he inspired so many.” Millions of people have heard Rick’s tale all throughout the world. We were and remain reassured by the hope he offered individuals who are in dire need of a transplant.
Similar Earlier Cases:
The process of transplanting living cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another is known as xenotransplantation.
Notably, Slayman’s kidney transplant is not the first pig organ used in a transplant operation, despite being the first pig kidney ever placed in a person.
Pig hearts have been transplanted into two more people. Nevertheless, those treatments were ineffective because the recipients passed just a few weeks later. One patient reported indications that the organ had been rejected by their immune system, which is a common danger associated with organ transplants.
