There has been a system out there in the world that is helping keeping organs, specifically the heart, alive outside of the human body. This contraption is called TransMedics Organ Care System. It was first introduced in 2006, over in Europe, when they complete the first successful transplant using this system. Then, in 2011, they created a similar type of machine that is used for lungs. These machines are legal in Europe, but their still waiting to approve them for here in the United States.
According to the statistics in the article, it is said that 60% of lung transplant recipient's die in the first 5 years after the transplant. That is a very sad thing. There are many good things about this system, such as that it keeps the organ "alive" it stimulates blood or air movement, which is so much better than just plopping it on a pack of ice, and jostling it all around trying to get it to the recipient. apparently, 70-80% of the transported lungs end up being rejected by the body because of infections that happen during the transplant. That is horrible. The new system has given 200 people healthy organs, which keep them up and living.
This is such great news! I really hope that the doctors over here see that this is a truly wonderful thing and that we need to get it in the hospitals now. Even if it cost a whole bunch of money, it is saving lives, and making people healthy.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/25/health/live-organ-transplants/index.html?hpt=he_c1
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