Here are some of the milestones and newsbreaks that have touched transplant families since this time last year.
5. Scientists 3D Print Human Body Parts
After a decade of research, scientists managed to engineer functional human body parts including bones, muscles and ears.
Quote: “This technology could potentially be used to print living tissue and organ structures for surgical implantation.”
4. Total Artificial Heart Could Eliminate Transplants
After a 60-year break, the total artificial heart (TAH) is being revisited as a potential permanent implant that would eliminate the need for heart transplants.
Quote: “There are people that are desperate for this technology…I think it has the potential to save a lot of people’s lives”
3. Ending The Waiting List…In Our Time?
In addition to lab-grown organs, bioprinting and cold storage could dramatically improve circumstances for transplant candidates on the waiting list.
Quote: “We can expect the first fully engineered bioidentical no-immune-suppression-needed organ transplant in humans within 10 years.”
2. Have Money, Will Transplant
A study indicates that wealthy people are more likely to secure a transplant and less likely to die while waiting for one.
Quote: “It takes money and knowledge…traveling can make a huge difference in how quickly you get an organ.”
1. Incompatible Donors Can Donate A Kidney
Donors may now be able to give a kidney to an incompatible recipient through a process called desensitization.
Quote: “Desensitization…can cost about $30,000 [but] dialysis would rack up a higher price tag and a considerably lower quality of life.”
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