A procedure intended to last two years ended in just two months.
The first recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney transplant has died nearly two months after undergoing the procedure, according to his family and the hospital that performed the surgery.
Richard “Rick” Slayman received the transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital in March at the age of 62. Surgeons had expected the pig kidney to function for at least two years.
The transplant team at Massachusetts General Hospital expressed deep sadness over Slayman’s passing and extended their condolences to his family, noting that there was no indication he died as a result of the transplant.
Rest in peace, Rick.