Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has announced the world’s first successful transplant of a genetically-edited pig kidney into a 62-year-old man living with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The four-hour-long surgery was carried out by a team of surgeons from the Mass General Transplant Centre. The hospital described the procedure as a major milestone in providing more readily available organs to patients. The pig kidney used was genetically edited to improve compatibility with humans. The patient, Richard Slayman, is recovering well after the historic surgery, which could open new frontiers in organ transplantation.
The transplantation of organs from one species to another, known as xenotransplantation, is a growing field that offers hope for thousands of patients in need of a transplant. This groundbreaking surgery has the potential to address the increasing shortage of human organ transplants and improve health equity for those suffering from kidney disease. Dr. Joren Madsen, Director of the MGH Transplant Center, hailed the patient’s courage in embarking on this medical journey into uncharted territory. The successful outcome of this pioneering surgery showcases the power of medical innovation in saving lives and offering hope to those in need.
