What organs and tissues may be donated?
The most commonly transplanted organs are the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs. In recent years, success has been achieved in curing diabetes with a pancreas transplant or utilizing cells extracted from the pancreas (islet cells) that produce insulin. Although only a small number of intestinal transplants have been performed, this treatment holds great hope for patients whose intestines have been severely damaged through illness, trauma or birth defects. As for tissues: – Skin is used as a temporary dressing for burns, serious abrasions and other exposed areas. – Bone is used in orthopedic surgery to facilitate healing of fractures or prevent amputation. – Heart valves are used to replace defective valves. – Tendons are used to repair torn ligaments on knees or other joints. – Veins are used in cardiac by-pass surgery. – Corneas can restore sight to the blind. – Many tissues that cannot be used for transplant can be recovered and used in a variety of research studies to advance medical sci
The most commonly transplanted organs are the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas and small intestines. As for tissues: • Heart valves are used to replace defective valves; this is particularly life-saving for babies and small children because of the small number of pediatric hearts available for transplant • Corneas can restore sight to the blind • Skin is used as a temporary dressing for burns, serious abrasions and other exposed areas • Bone is used in orthopedic surgery to facilitate healing of fractures or prevent amputation, particularly for cancer and trauma patients • Tendons are used to repair torn ligaments on knees or other joints • Veins are used in cardiac by-pass surgery, particularly where the patient cannot provide his or her own veins Many tissues that cannot be used for transplant can be recovered and used in a variety of research studies to advance cures to fatal diseases like Alzheimers, diabetes, cancer and others.
