Editors: Robert S.D. Higgins, Juan A. Sanchez

Series Title: Current and Future Developments in Surgery

The Multi-Organ Donor: A Guide to Selection, Preservation and Procurement

Volume 3

eBook: US $89 Special Offer (PDF + Printed Copy): US $176
Printed Copy: US $131
Library License: US $356
ISSN: 2589-174X (Print)
ISSN: 2589-1758 (Online)
ISBN: 978-1-68108-757-3 (Print)
ISBN: 978-1-68108-756-6 (Online)
Year of Publication: 2018
DOI: 10.2174/97816810875661180301

Introduction

Advances in the science of immunology have improved the success rate of organ transplantations since the mid twentieth century. Organ transplantation is now a lifesaving medical procedure for thousands of patients around the world with end-organ diseases. The lifesaving potential of transplantation has been limited by the number and quality of appropriate organ donors. The evolution of brain death criteria by the Harvard Ad-Hoc Committee Report has opened the door to understanding the importance of medical, legal and ethical challenges of organ donation in support of the growth of the transplant science. The possibility of organ donation from living donors has enhanced organ availability for patients with kidney failure. Modern inotropes and immunosuppression regimens have been critical to the success of other organ transplant procedures. However, the cornerstone of successful transplantation continues to be the appropriate selection, evaluation, preservation of organ tissues and the successful surgical procurement process to mitigate the impact of tissue ischemia and reperfusion.

In this textbook, the art and science of organ donation and tissue preservation is examined. Through this authoritative text by leaders in the field, the editors provide a state of the art review of modern preservation techniques, patient selection and screening criteria, as well as best practices for multi-organ procurement. Information presented in the book will familiarize readers with the initial steps of determining organ availability which ultimately enables health care professionals to realize the extraordinary potential of successful multi-organ transplant procedures. This guide is intended to be a fundamental resource for students, residents, faculty and staff for all disciplines allied to health care delivery and organ donation.

Preface

“We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give."

- Winston Churchill

The field of organ transplantation has evolved significantly since the first edition of this book was published in 1997. What hasn’t changed is the extraordinary commitment of thousands of healthcare professionals, patients, and most importantly, donor families and loved ones who make the ultimate sacrifice in the face of a devastation loss to give the Gift of Life. These unselfish altruistic acts, which benefit dozens of potential recipients, are the cornerstones of the lifesaving benefits of organ transplantation.

Many healthcare professionals as well make significant personal and professional sacrifices to support the transplant enterprise. Without their commitment, these gifts could not be received. Over 120,000 deserving patients with end-organ failure are awaiting lifesaving or life-enhancing organ transplants. Without the commitment of the multidisciplinary teams, who in some cases have given their lives to procure these organs, the enterprise cannot succeed.

This textbook outlining the best practices in organ procurement and preservation process from world class transplant teams is dedicated to the donors and healthcare professionals who give their lives so that others could live. Special thanks to our families, including spouses, children and support staff at home, who sacrificed and supported our professional aspirations to participate in the transplant enterprise. And special thanks to Elisa Wise for her commitment to this project – which could not have come to fruition without her effort.


Robert S.D. Higgins
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine,
Baltimore, MD
USA

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