Rick Slayman, flanked by (left to right) Dr. Leo Riella, Medical Director of Kidney Transplantation, Dr. Nahel Elias, Interim Chief of Division of Transplant Surgery, his partner Faren, and Dr. Tatsuo Kawai, Director of Legoretta Center for Clinical Transplant Tolerance, celebrated a groundbreaking milestone at Massachusetts General Hospital.
CNN reported that Slayman, the first living recipient of a genetically edited pig kidney transplant, was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday, just two weeks after the historic operation. According to Massachusetts General Hospital’s statement, Slayman is recuperating well and will continue his recovery at home with his family.
In a heartfelt statement released by the hospital, Slayman expressed his gratitude and joy for his newfound health, stating, “This moment—leaving the hospital today with one of the cleanest bills of health I’ve had in a long time—is one I wished would come for many years. Now, it’s a reality and one of the happiest moments of my life.”
The 62-year-old manager with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation had opted for the pig kidney transplant after being diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease last year, following his doctors’ recommendation.
While Slayman’s medical team is optimistic about the longevity of his new kidney, they also acknowledge the uncertainties surrounding animal-to-human transplants.
Slayman’s surgery marks the third xenotransplant of a pig organ into a living human, following two heart transplants into patients with no other transplant options. These surgeries were conducted under special compassionate use rules for patients in dire conditions, though unfortunately, both patients passed away weeks after receiving the organs.
Expressing his gratitude for the outpouring of support, particularly from fellow kidney transplant candidates, Slayman emphasized the importance of his surgery in addressing the critical shortage of organs for transplantation in the United States.
As per the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, kidney shortage remains a pressing issue, with 17 individuals in the U.S. succumbing daily while awaiting organ transplants.
“Today marks a new beginning not just for me, but for them, as well,” concluded Slayman in his statement, symbolizing hope for those awaiting life-saving transplants.
