📷 From Istagram @massgeneral
saturday – The family of 62- Year- Old Richard announced that he passed away. He made history by receiving the world’s first genetically modified pig kidney transplant past March.The kidney was provided by eGenesis, a pharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, and was genetically edited using CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
Slayman had previously received a human kidney transplant in 2018 but had to return to dialysis when it began to fail about five years later. His doctors suggested the pig kidney transplant as an alternative. surgeons believed that the pig kidney would last for at least two years.
Mr Slayman underwent the successful four-hour surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and was released just two weeks later in April.Richard Slayman’s bravery and willingness to advance the field of xenotransplantation will forever be remembered.
His family expressed gratitude to the doctors and care team at Mass General Hospital for their efforts. Slayman’s sudden passing occurred recently, leaving the medical community and his loved ones in shock. While the cause of his sudden death remains unknown, the hospital has confirmed it was not related to the transplant, ABC News reported.
“The Mass General transplant team is deeply saddened at the sudden passing of Mr. Rick Slayman. We have no indication that it was the result of his recent transplant,” Massachusetts General Hospital said in a statement.
a heartfelt statement, Mr Slayman’s family expressed their deepest appreciation to the doctors and the entire care team at Massachusetts General Hospital.
“Our family is deeply saddened about the sudden passing of our beloved Rick but take great comfort knowing he inspired so many. 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.”
“We are extremely grateful to his care team across Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass General Brigham, especially Dr Williams, Dr Kawai, and Dr Riella, who truly did everything they could to help give Rick a second chance. Their enormous efforts leading the xenotransplant gave our family seven more weeks with Rick, and our memories made during that time will remain in our minds and hearts.”
Rick” Slayman’s family shared that one of the reasons he underwent the groundbreaking pig kidney transplant was to inspire hope for the thousands of people who are patiently awaiting life-saving organ transplants. His courageous journey served as a beacon of possibility and resilience, offering solace to those in need.
“Rick accomplished that goal and his hope and optimism will endure forever. His legacy will be one that inspires patients, researchers, and health care professionals everywhere.”