Richard “Rick” Slayman’s Legacy as a Beacon of Hope to Countless Pig Kidney Transplant Patients Worldwide
On March 16, Richard Rick Slayman, aged 62, became the first person to receive a living donor liver transplant, establishing a new milestone in medical advancement.
Richard “Rick” Slayman, the first person to receive a genetically edited kidney from a pig, passed away almost two months after the surgery. His family and a statement from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston confirmed the news. However, the hospital clarified that there was no evidence suggesting that Slayman’s death was directly related to the recent kidney transplant.
Pig Kidney Transplant: Xenotransplant Surgery
Despite surviving a human kidney transplant in 2018, Slayman’s health declined. Therefore, doctors obtained approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to perform the xenotransplant, a procedure involving the transplantation of organs from one species to another, under its “compassionate use” regulations. This authorization is typically granted when a patient faces a severe or immediately life-threatening illness or condition with no viable alternative treatments.
The surgery lasted four hours, during which researchers made 69 edits to the pig’s genetic code to lessen the chance of Slayman’s immune system attacking the transplanted pig’s organ.
Family Statement after Death & Gratitude to the Medical Team
In a statement to the media, Slayman’s family expressed deep sorrow at his passing. However, they found comfort in his inspiring many and extended their gratitude to the medical team for their tireless efforts. They acknowledged that the team’s relentless pursuit of the xenotransplant provided them with seven additional weeks with Slayman, creating cherished memories during that time.
“Their enormous efforts leading to the xenotransplant gave our family seven more weeks with Rick, and our memories made during that time will remain in our minds and hearts,” the statement said. “Millions of people worldwide have come to know Rick’s story. We felt — and still feel — comforted by the optimism he provided patients desperately waiting for a transplant.”
Slayman’s Life-Changing Transplant
Slayman’s story resonated with millions worldwide, offering hope to patients eagerly awaiting transplants. As he left the hospital in April, he described it as “one of the happiest moments of his life” and eagerly anticipated spending quality time with his loved ones “free from the burden of dialysis that has affected my quality of life for many years.”
Following the surgery, the hospital reported that Slayman was “recovering well,” attributing the success of the surgery to extensive research, studies, and collaborative efforts.
Before undergoing the March operation, Slayman had reached a point of despair, reported The Washington Post. He expressed to doctors that he could no longer endure his suffering and did not wish to continue living in such agony. “I just can’t go on like this. I don’t want to go on like this,” said Slayman.
Urgent Need for Organ Donors: Thousands Await Transplants Nationwide
According to The Associated Press (AP), over 100,000 individuals are awaiting transplants nationwide, with the majority being kidney patients. Tragically, thousands perish each year while awaiting a suitable donor.
The hospital praised Slayman and said he “will forever be seen as a beacon of hope to countless transplant patients worldwide.”
Pig Kidney Transplant: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was the first person to undergo a pig kidney transplant worldwide?
Answer: Richard “Rick” Slayman was the first to receive a genetically edited pig kidney transplant.
2. What happened to Richard Slayman after the transplant?
Answer: Richard Slayman passed away almost two months after the surgery. Still, there was no evidence suggesting that his death was directly related to the recent kidney transplant.
3. What is a xenotransplant?
Answer: A xenotransplant is a procedure that involves organ transplantation from one species to another.
4. Why did Richard Slayman need a pig kidney transplant?
Answer: Richard Slayman survived a human kidney transplant in 2018. Still, his health declined, leading doctors to seek approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to perform a xenotransplant.
5. How did the surgery work?
Answer: The surgery involved making 69 edits to the pig’s genetic code to reduce the likelihood of Slayman’s immune system attacking the transplanted pig’s organ.
6. What is the “compassionate use” regulation of the FDA?
Answer: The “compassionate use” regulation of the FDA is typically granted when a patient faces a severe or immediately life-threatening illness or condition with no viable alternative treatments.
7. How many people are awaiting transplants in the US?
Answer: According to The Associated Press (AP), over 100,000 individuals, mostly kidney patients, are awaiting transplants nationwide.
8. What is Richard Slayman’s legacy?
Answer: Richard Slayman’s story resonated with millions worldwide, offering hope to patients eagerly awaiting transplants. The hospital praised Slayman and said he “will forever be seen as a beacon of hope to countless transplant patients worldwide.”
