Richard “Rick” Slayman, the first person to receive a pig kidney transplant, passed away nearly two months after the historic surgery. Read more…

In 2024, Richard “Rick” Slayman, the first person to receive a pig kidney transplant, passed away nearly two months after the historic surgery. Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, where the procedure took place, confirmed his passing and stated there was no evidence linking his demise to the transplant. Rick Slayman, 62, became part of medical history in March 2024 when he underwent a four-hour surgery to receive a genetically modified pig kidney.

The operation was groundbreaking, marking the first time such an organ was successfully implanted into a living human. Surgeons were hopeful that the kidney would continue working for at least two years, and early results showed promise in its function. The transplant represented a significant milestone in xenotransplantation, the science of using animal organs for human patients.

For decades, scientists have been searching for solutions to the severe shortage of human donor organs. This pioneering surgery in 2024 gave hope to thousands of patients on waiting lists worldwide, showing that genetically modified animal organs may provide a viable alternative. Although Rick Slayman’s passing came earlier than expected, his contribution to medical science remains monumental. His courage to volunteer for such a groundbreaking procedure opened the doors to future research and potential life-saving treatments.

The trial is expected to pave the way for further developments, offering hope to those who might one day benefit from similar transplants. Rick’s journey will be remembered not just as a medical first, but as a step toward a future where more patients may have a second chance at life through innovative science.