Patient receives the first pig kidney transplant, but sadly, has since passed away.
A short while back, Richard Slayman became the initial living individual to undergo a successfully conducted transplant involving a genetically modified pig kidney. He initially endured the procedure. Regretfully, however, it has been announced that he has passed away recently. Although his family feels saddened, they're appreciative.
The primary person to acquire a genetically tweaked pig kidney has left us approximately eight weeks after the procedure. The Massachusetts General Hospital confirmed this news, mentioning that there's no evidence pointing towards the transplant being the cause of Slayman's death. They offered their sympathies to his family members.
In the past, Slayman had been given a human donor kidney in 2018. Unfortunately, it started to deteriorate last year, and he also faced complications during dialysis. Doctors eventually advised him to have a genetically adjusted pig kidney implant during March. This successful operation rendered Slayman the first living person to have a pig kidney - a surgery earlier thought to be impossible.
Effort for a human copycat
Xenotransplantation, or the practice of healing humans through GMOs from pigs, was seen as challenging for a long time since the human body unfailingly rejects pig tissue. Despite pig tissue serving as a favorite for artificial heart valves, whole animal organs were deemed exceedingly complex. To achieve a humanlike functioning, scientists started to tinker with the pigs' genes. These adjustments allowed for pig kidneys to be temporarily implanted into brain-dead humans in past instances. Additionally, two individuals received pig hearts, but they died several months post-op.
The pig genes that were detrimental to humans were removed from the one implanted into Slayman. Additionally, the organ was transformed with certain human genes to make it more accepting for Slayman. The surgeons believed that the pig kidney could potentially function for at minimum two years.
Slayman's family expressed their thanks to the doctors. Their dedicated work allowed the family to spend an extra seven weeks with him, a moment they hold dear. Slayman's optimism and perseverance will persist. He went through the operation to inspire hope in the countless folks waiting for a similar procedure.
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In light of the progress in xenotransplantation, there's a growing need for public education about organ donation from genetically modified animals. This could inspire more individuals to consider becoming potential donors for animals undergoing similar procedures.
Despite the loss of Richard Slayman, his life-saving pig kidney transplant highlights the importance of animal-to-human organ transplants in the field of healthcare. Such advancements could potentially revolutionize the way we approach organ shortages worldwide.
Source: www.ntv.de
