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Smithsonian Magazine

A Genetically Modified Pig Kidney Kept a Man Alive for a Record Nine Months, Allowing Him to Wait for a Donated Human Organ

A man with end-stage kidney disease received a genetically modified pig kidney that kept him alive and off dialysis for nine months while he waited for a human kidney transplant. The procedure was part of an experimental treatment and marked a significant step in organ transplantation research. The pig kidney was removed after complications arose, but the patient later received a human kidney and is now living a full life.

What happened

A man with severe kidney disease was given a genetically modified pig kidney that functioned for 271 days, allowing him to avoid dialysis and wait for a human kidney transplant. The kidney was removed after complications, but the patient later received a human organ and is now recovering.

Why it matters

This case shows progress in using animal organs as a temporary solution for patients waiting for human transplants, which could help address the global shortage of donor organs and improve survival rates.

Why it belongs here

The story highlights human resilience and the potential for medical innovation to save lives, offering hope and a positive example of how science and personal courage can work together.

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