ALBAWABA - Only two months after receiving his pig kidney transplant surgery, American, Richard “Rick” Slayman passed away after undergoing the procedure, according to his family and the hospital where the operation took place.
According to AP News, the American man who was 62 years old underwent the surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Mar. 2024. Moreover, it was believed that the modified pig kidney would allow him to live for at least two years but that wasn't the case.
American man who received pig kidney transplant dies
The Massachusetts General Hospital expressed that it was deeply saddened by the passing of Richard in an official statement and sent condolences to his family. Additionally, the hospital also stated that there was no indication that the pig kidney transplant was the reason behind the American man's passing.
Richard was the first man to receive a modified pig kidney transplant operation but previously two men temporarily received pig hearts but both also died within months.
AP News added that he did get a normal kidney transplant in 2018 but had to get another one as it started showing a sign of failure which resulted in the modified pig kidney transplant.
In the family's statement, they thanked the doctors behind the surgery, here's what they said:
"Their enormous efforts leading the xenotransplant gave our family seven more weeks with Rick, and our memories made during that time will remain in our minds and hearts. Rick accomplished that goal and his hope and optimism will endure forever."
