Rick Slayman, the first person to receive a pig kidney transplant, is set to leave Massachusetts General Hospital after two weeks of recovery. The 62-year-old will continue his treatment at home in Weymouth, as announced by the hospital. Slayman expressed his gratitude for the care he received and stated that leaving the hospital with improved health is one of the happiest moments of his life.
At the time of the transplant on March 21, Slayman was suffering from end-stage kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. He had previously received a human kidney transplant in 2018, which failed after five years. This pig kidney transplant marks a groundbreaking achievement spearheaded by Mass General. The kidney was donated by eGenesis in Cambridge and genetically edited to remove harmful pig genes, with the addition of certain human genes to enhance compatibility.
Slayman’s recovery has been smooth so far, and he has expressed his appreciation for the well-wishes he received from those rooting for his healing journey. He recognizes the significance of this milestone not just for himself but for other patients awaiting kidney transplants, signaling a new beginning for those hoping for a similar outcome.
