BOSTON – The Massachusetts man who performed the world’s first kidney transplant on a pig has died.
Rick Slayman, 62, of Weymouth, received a kidney from Massachusetts General Hospital. March 21. He was discharged from the hospital Two weeks later He should continue his recovery at home.
Massachusetts General Hospital
It’s a result of the transplant without any symptoms, MGH says
The kidney is genetically modified to remove pig genes and add humans to help improve its capacity.
Massachusetts General Hospital announced that Slayman had died Saturday, two months after undergoing a transplant. The hospital also insisted that there was no indication that his death was a result of the transplant.
“The Mass General Transplant Team is deeply saddened by the sudden death of Mr. Rick Slayman. We have no indication that this was a result of his recent transplant. Mr. Slayman will forever be seen as a beacon of hope for countless transplant patients around the world. Mr. Slayman’s “We offer our deepest condolences to all who knew him for his generosity and kindness,” he said in a statement.
“Give hope to thousands”
Slayman had been living with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes for years. He underwent a human kidney transplant in 2018, but five years later, it began to fail.
In a statement, Slayman’s family remembered him as an inspiration to many around the world.
“Millions of people around the world know Rick’s story. We felt — and still feel — the hope he gave to patients long waiting for a transplant. For us, Rick was a kind man with a quick sense of humor who was fiercely devoted to his family, friends and colleagues,” Slayman’s family said in a statement. said in the report.
“After his transplant, one of the reasons Rick went through this procedure was to give hope for survival to thousands of people who needed a transplant. Rick accomplished that goal, and his faith and hope will live on forever. His legacy will be one. It will inspire patients, researchers and healthcare professionals everywhere. encouraging,” Slayman’s family said.
The family asked for privacy after Slayman’s death.
“Friend of animals everywhere. Devoted analyst. Total alcohol scholar. Infuriatingly humble food trailblazer.”