We are told that the number could be doubled or increased even more than that if only tissues were available. Bone tissue is rendered acellular by freezing and processing, thus reducing immunogenicity. Like sclera, these tissues can be stored up to five years. Bone grafts are used for total hip revision surgery, limb salvage and spinal fusions. Ligament repairs are done with donor tendons and ligaments.
Neurosurgeons use fascia lata, pericardium and dura for dura repair.
Cardiac surgeons need aortic and pulmonary homografts for repair of various disorders from congenital anomalies to valvular disease and aortic stenosis. Homografts perform as native tissue and have less morbidity than prosthetics over the long term. Vein and arterial grafts are used in limb-salvage procedures as well as coronary artery bypass graft procedures when the patient is unable to provide autologous vessels. Cardiovascular tissues can be preserved for storage up to five years. Vein grafts must be ABO matched.