Two months following the organ transplant. - Initial individual recipient of a pig kidney passes away.
► Less than two months ago, the hospital that conducted the surgery reported no evidence linking the transplant to his death.
In March, Richard Slayman became the first living person to receive a pig kidney transplant. Medical professionals believed the kidney would last for at least two years.
Saturday saw the confirmation of Slayman's passing at the age of 62.
A remarkable medical achievement
Before Slayman's case, only temporary pig kidneys had been transplanted into brain-dead individuals. Two people even received a pig heart, but both passed away shortly after.
In 2018, Slayman had undergone a human kidney transplant, which failed after three years. Consequently, he had to go through additional dialysis treatments last year. Complications arose during this process, prompting doctors to suggest a pig kidney transplant.
The family released a statement expressing their gratitude to the medical professionals. "Your admirable attempts at performing the xenotransplant provided our family with an additional seven weeks of quality time with Rick. The fond memories we created during this period will forever remain in our minds and hearts," the statement read.
Their goal was to give hope to thousands of individuals in need of a transplant. "Rick fulfilled this aim and his perseverance and determination will continue to inspire us," the family stated.
Read also:
- Immediately renew Terzic's contract.
- Teenager Denise (17) and her 18-month-old child have gone missing.
- Avoid rushing onto the field!
- Damar and Scott turn 96 into champions through their skills.
Source: symclub.org