Meet the first Human to be given a pig kidney transplant

With advancements in medicine becoming a growing phenomenon by the day, genetically altering once DNA is fast becoming a reality as Rick Slayman becomes the world’s first living recipient of a genetically edited pig kidney transplant

As reported by American news network, CNN, Rick Slayman has been discharged from Massachusetts General Hospital.

Slayman’s departure from the hospital on Wednesday comes precisely two weeks after his transformative operation, as confirmed by a statement released by the hospital.

According to the statement, Slayman is currently in good health and will continue his recovery process at home, surrounded by his family.

Reflecting on his discharge, Slayman expressed profound gratitude, stating,

“This moment – leaving the hospital today with one of the cleanest bills of health I’ve had in a long time – is one I wished would come for many years. Now, it’s a reality and one of the happiest moments of my life.”

At 62 years old, Slayman, a manager with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, faced a challenging diagnosis of end-stage kidney disease last year. With his medical team recommending a pig kidney transplant, he embarked on this pioneering journey.

The medical community has been cautiously optimistic about the longevity of Slayman’s new kidney, suggesting it could potentially last for years. However, uncertainties persist regarding the outcomes of animal-to-human transplants.

Slayman’s surgery marks the third instance of xenotransplantation involving a pig organ into a living human. The first two cases involved heart transplants for patients who had exhausted conventional transplant options. Tragically, both patients passed away within weeks of their surgeries.

These transplantations were carried out under special regulations permitting compassionate use of experimental therapies for patients facing dire circumstances.

Expressing his appreciation for the support he received, particularly from fellow kidney transplant candidates, Slayman remarked,

“Today marks a new beginning not just for me, but for them, as well.”