Richard "Rick" Slayman, aged 62, battled end-stage renal disease before undergoing the procedure in March.
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) stated on Sunday that there was no indication his demise stemmed from the transplant.
Attempts to transplant other organs from genetically engineered pigs have faltered previously, but Mr. Slayman's operation was lauded as a monumental achievement.
In addition to renal disease, Mr. Slayman grappled with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. He underwent a human kidney transplant in 2018, but it began failing after five years.
Subsequent to his pig kidney transplant on March 16, his physicians confirmed he no longer required dialysis, as the new organ purportedly functioned effectively.
"Mr. Slayman will forever serve as a symbol of hope for countless transplant recipients worldwide, and we are profoundly appreciative of his confidence and willingness to propel xenotransplantation forward," MGH articulated in a statement.
Xenotransplantation involves the transfer of living cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another.
MGH expressed profound sorrow at his sudden passing and extended condolences to his kin.
Relatives of Mr. Slayman characterized his narrative as inspirational.
"Rick expressed that one of his motivations for undergoing this procedure was to instill hope in the thousands of individuals reliant on transplants for survival," they shared.
"Rick achieved that objective, and his hope and positivity will endure indefinitely.
"To us, Rick embodied a compassionate individual with a sharp sense of humor, fiercely devoted to his family, friends, and colleagues," they appended.
While Mr. Slayman received the inaugural pig kidney transplant, it isn't the first instance of a pig organ being employed in a transplant.
Two other patients underwent pig heart transplants, albeit unsuccessfully, as both recipients succumbed within weeks.
In one instance, indications suggested the patient's immune system had rejected the organ, a common hazard in transplant procedures.
