Every day we hear of advances that eventually will make it possible to transplant animal organs into humans. But until this scientific endeavor is perfected, thousands of people will die waiting for organ transplants. I am Dr. Thomas R. McCune, Assistant Professor of Clinical Internal Medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School and Medical Director of the Renal Transplant Program at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Researchers are currently trying to alter the genetic material in pigs so that their organs can be used for transplantation. Experts say it will be at least 10 years before this research produces potential organ donors.
Most organ donors die of traumatic injuries to the head, such as accidents or strokes.
These unfortunate people are the only potential hope to patients awaiting heart and lung transplants. They are also the principal source of organs for patients awaiting liver, kidney and pancreas transplants. Other tissue, such as skin, bone, eyes and the lining of the brain, can also be taken, such that one organ donor can save more than 50 lives. Some people with liver or kidney failure can receive a transplanted organ from a sibling, parent or child without adversely affect the health of the donor. With the development of less invasive surgical techniques such as laparoscopy, and better anti-rejection medications, spouses, friends, the occasional good Samaritan and others who are not genetically related can now successfully donate kidneys for transplantation.