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What does the first successful test of a pig-to-human kidney transplant mean?

The milestone is a step toward solving shortages of the organ but hurdles remain

several doctors in scrubs and masks look at a patient on an operating table

A surgical team at NYU Langone Health in New York City attached a pig kidney to a human patient in a first-of-its-kind procedure. Here, the team examines the kidney for signs of rejection. The kidney functioned normally for 54 hours.

Joe Carrotta for NYU Langone Health

By Jonathan Lambert

- More than 2 years ago

Surgeons in New York City successfully attached a pig kidney to a human patient and watched the pinkish organ function normally for 54 hours.