Rick Slayman, whose body is the home of a medical breakthrough, was discharged from the hospital after receiving the first genetically edited pig kidney transplant.
In an unprecedented medical breakthrough, the 62-year-old manager at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation underwent surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital last month for the world’s first transplant of a genetically edited pig kidney.
The four-hour-long surgery on March 16 was a success, and now, two weeks later, an overjoyed Rick was allowed to go home for a “new beginning.”
Rick Slayman is the world's first living patient with a transplanted pig kidney
Image credits: Massachusetts General Hospital
“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,” Rick said in a Wednesday statement.
“Now, it’s a reality and one of the happiest moments of my life. I want to thank everyone at Massachusetts General Hospital who cared for me before and after my historic transplant, especially Dr. Williams, Dr. Riella, Dr. Kawai, and the countless nurses who looked after me every day of my stay,” he went on to say. “The care I received was exceptional and I trust physicians of the Mass General Brigham health system with my life.”
About two weeks after his surgery, Rick was discharged and allowed to go home to start a new life
Image credits: Massachusetts General Hospital
Rick’s surgery marked the third such transplant of an animal organ into a living human being. The first two cases preceding Rick’s saw pig hearts being transplanted into two patients who had no other options left in their treatment.
Unfortunately, both heart transplant recipients passed away weeks after their operations, underscoring how such procedures are as risky as they are groundbreaking.
The Massachusetts General Hospital shared updates about the groundbreaking transplant on its social media handle
Rick is now looking forward to starting a new life with his new kidney, where the “burden of dialysis” is no longer a weight on his shoulders.
“I’m excited to resume spending time with my family, friends, and loved ones free from the burden of dialysis that has affected my quality of life for many years,” he said in the statement.
“Lastly, I want to thank anyone who has seen my story and sent well-wishes, especially patients waiting for a kidney transplant. Today marks a new beginning not just for me, but for them, as well. My recovery is progressing smoothly and I ask for privacy at this time.”