Rick Slayman is pictured at Massachusetts Normal Hospital in Boston, the place he grew to become the primary individual to have a genetically modified pig kidney transplant.
Michelle Rose/Massachusetts Normal Hospital
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Michelle Rose/Massachusetts Normal Hospital
Richard “Rick” Slayman, the primary human to obtain a genetically modified pig kidney transplant, has died nearly two months after the process.
Slayman, who had end-stage kidney illness, underwent the transplant in March at Massachusetts Normal Hospital in Boston at age 62.
The hospital mentioned in a assertion on Saturday that there was “no indication” that his dying was the results of the transplant. The transplant surgeon had mentioned he hoped the transplant would operate for a minimum of two years.
“The Mass Normal transplant group is deeply saddened on the sudden passing of Mr. Rick Slayman,” learn the hospital assertion. “Mr. Slayman will ceaselessly be seen as a beacon of hope to numerous transplant sufferers worldwide and we’re deeply grateful for his belief and willingness to advance the sphere of xenotransplantation.”
The surgical procedure was a milestone for the sphere of xenotransplantation — the transplant of organs from one species to a different — as a strategy to alleviate the organ scarcity for individuals who want transplants. The hassle to genetically modify animal organs is in hopes that the human physique won’t reject the international tissue.
In an announcement from shared by the hospital, Slayman’s household thanked his docs: “Their monumental efforts main the xenotransplant gave our household seven extra weeks with Rick, and our reminiscences made throughout that point will stay in our minds and hearts.”
His household mentioned he was form, quick-witted, and “fiercely devoted to his household, buddies, and colleagues.”
“After his transplant, Rick mentioned that one of many causes he underwent this process was to offer hope for the 1000’s of people that want a transplant to outlive,” it continued. “Rick completed that aim and his hope and optimism will endure ceaselessly.”
Final month, a 54-year-old New Jersey girl grew to become the second individual ever to have a genetically modified pig kidney transplant.
Greater than 100,000 individuals within the U.S. are on the waitlist for organs. 1000’s die yearly earlier than they will get one.
