ORGAN TRANSPLANTS
Anthony Mark
Over
the past century technology has advanced to the point where we now can
transplant organs. Now we can
sustain and preserve life moving past the aim of preserving existing organs to
replacing them. Organ transplants can
be a cure to terminal illnesses.
The organs can be removed from a cadaver or living patient but either
source provokes ethical issues.
There have been positive clinical results from organ transplants and
also inspiration for new technology.
There now exist synthetic organs that are beginning to come into use to
curb the long waiting list of a potential organ recipient. The question with the use of synthetic
organs has a financial and biological issue associated. The cost of ‘growing’ the organ is expensive
and there still is a possibility that the body will reject the organ. Below are sites that deal with organ
transplants pertaining to pre- and post –surgical implantation, donors for
children, surgeon’s ethical dilemmas, and association dedicated to finding
donors for organ recipients.
WORLD
TRANSPLANT PEOPLES' ASSOCIATION
To share information worldwide,
about lifestyles, insurance, medicines, doctors, and employment,
for all who have had or need organ transplants. There are links to other sites that
give support to physical activity of post-transplantation recipients.
Transplant Support Network
The Transplant Support Network is a nationwide network of volunteer transplant patients and their carers, who provide locally, based support for others coping with transplantation. The aim of the Transplant Support Network is to introduce any patient, carer or family member to others who have been through a similar experience.
Children’s Organ Transplant Association
COTA's primary mission is to ensure that no U.S. citizen is ever denied a life-saving transplant or access to a transplant waiting list, due solely to the lack of funds. Our secondary focus is to promote organ donations and to provide public education on all aspects of the organ donation process.
The
Multi-Organ Transplant Center
The Multi-Organ Transplant Center was established to create the optimal environment for solid organ and tissue transplantation. The Transplant Center provides care for organ recipients and donors. It also does organ and tissue transplantations and clinical research. The Center is also actively involved with educating their staff about procedures pertaining to transplantation.
Inland Northwest
Thoracic Organ Transplant Program
This program gives care to
end-stage heart patients and provides the patient with a mechanical heart if
need be.
TRANSPLANT
RECIPIENTS INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION, INC.
This
site is an actual organization with chapters. It provides up to date organ donor and transplant
information. It gives updated
Congressional proceedings pertaining to organ transplantation and offers
membership to the organization. It
tells of the different types of transplantations and financing the procedures. It offers the browser the option of
purchasing the publications posted on its websites.
This site stresses the importance of donation of organs. And it offers options for individuals that feel organ transplantation of the recently diseased will violate religious beliefs. The site has a campaign that is supported by Michael Jordan that also provides links to answer all question pertaining to the donation process.
Biotechnology: Printing a heart
This site tells of technological advances used to map out and synthesize a human heart for transplant.
American Society of Transplant Surgeons
This site has a listing of policies, bylaws, fellowships, and ethical discussions and seminars for surgeons.
United Organ Transplant Association
This group is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and emotional support of transplant patients and families. Tells of some of the financial stipulations of donations and how a donation is tax-deductible.