Internal Organ Transplants

Internal organ donors must be brain dead, but the flow of blood to the organs must be constantly artificially maintained until organs are removed for transplant. Donors generally have received a devastating injury to the head, such as a brain aneurysm or injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident, and die in a hospital. Internal organ donors also must meet strict medical criteria to insure that the recipients have the best chance of survival and to reduce the risk that infection or disease may be transmitted.

Each year approximately 25,000 men, women and children die in the United States die under conditions that would allow internal organs to be recovered for transplantation. Only about 6,400 actually become donors. The number of people waiting in the United States for an organ transplant in quickly approaching 100,000.

In Oregon internal organs are removed by the Pacific Northwest Transplant Bank. Oregon Health Sciences University, Legacy Health Systems, Portland Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, and Providence Portland Medical Center have organ transplant centers.

Pacific Northwest Transplant Bank

• Recovers internal organs, heart, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas and intestine for transplant.
• Functions as initial contact for all organ donors and as liaison with other transplant centers throughout the United States.
• Kidney: The most commonly transplanted internal organ. Extensive cross-matching is possible because of a preservation time of 36-48 hours. The first kidney transplant performed in Oregon was in 1959. People may wait from 3 months to 2 years.
  About 1,517 people in Oregon and Washington await a kidney transplant.
• Heart: The first heart transplant performed in Oregon was in December 1985. Hearts have a preservation time of 4-5 hours; they are blood typed and matched for size and weight of donor. People may wait from one day to 18 months.
  About 53 people in Oregon and Washington await a heart transplant; 3 need a heart and lung transplant.
• Pancreas: Pancreas transplant offers hope for individuals suffering from diabetes. People may wait from 1 to 12 months.
  About 30 people in Oregon and Washington await a pancreas transplant; 55 need a pancrease and kidney transplant.
• Liver: Liver failure can affect children and adults alike and is usually terminal, unless a transplant is performed. The liver transplant program began in Oregon in the fall of 1988. People may wait from 2 days to two years.
  About 362 people in Oregon and Washington await a liver transplant.
• Lung: Lungs have a preservation time of 4-5 hours. People may wait from 2 days to two years.
  45 people in Oregon and Washington await a lung transplant.

Donor Selection

• Each donor is individually evaluated.
• Past medical and social history and present condition are assessed by procurement specialists.
• Organ anatomy and function determine acceptability.

Organs:

• Each donor is individually evaluated.

Tissues and Eyes:

• Body must be kept cool before tissues are recovered.
• Recovery is generally within 24 hours of donor's death.
• Recovery of tissues may occur in the operating room or other designated areas.