Pioneering Surgery World’s First Pig-to-Human Kidney Transplant Unveiled By Doctors

Pioneering Surgery World’s First Pig-to-Human Kidney Transplant Unveiled By Doctors

How did the groundbreaking procedure of transplanting a genetically-modified pig kidney into a living human come to fruition?

On March 21, 2024, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) announced the successful completion of the world’s first-ever transplantation of a genetically-edited pig kidney into a human recipient, marking a significant advancement in xenotransplantation….READ ALSOExploring The Impact 4 Ways Energy Drinks Affect Your Kidneys

Richard Slayman, a 62-year-old African-American man suffering from end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), underwent the pioneering surgery. After enduring seven years of dialysis and a previous human kidney transplant in December 2018, Slayman found himself back on dialysis in May 2023 when his kidney began to fail.

The donor pig, although not individually named, underwent a meticulous process of isolation and genetic modification using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. A total of 69 genomic alterations were made to the pig kidney to enhance compatibility and remove any potential viral remnants that could harm the human recipient.

During the four-hour surgery, a team of five surgeons faced additional challenges due to Slayman’s severe vascular disease. Nonetheless, they successfully connected the pig kidney’s artery and vein to Slayman’s abdomen and joined the ureter to his bladder.

Slayman’s recovery progress is closely monitored by MGH, with regular blood and urine tests, physical exams, and clinic visits scheduled to ensure his kidney functions optimally post-transplant. However, the long-term sustainability of xenotransplantation remains uncertain, with MGH anticipating the kidney’s viability for at least two years based on preliminary research.