A pig kidney has been transplanted into a living person in a historic operation.
A pig kidney has been transplanted into a living person for the first time ever
Richard Slayman received the organ from the genetically modified animal during a four-hour procedure at a hospital in the US.
The 62-year-old - who had been suffering from end-stage kidney disease - is recovering well and is soon expected to be discharged from the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Slayman, who has been hailed as a " real hero" for trying the world first procedure, said: "I saw it not only as a way to help me, but to provide hope for the thousands of people who need a transplant to survive."
Dr. Tatsuo Kawai, a member of the surgical team, said: "The success of this transplant is the culmination of efforts by thousands of scientists and physicians over several decades.
"We are privileged to have played a significant role in this milestone.
"Our hope is that this transplant approach will offer a lifeline to millions of patients worldwide who are suffering from kidney failure."