Every donated organ represents hope for someone whose future depends on a life-changing transplant. Yet, despite the generosity of donors and their families, many organs never make it to the operating room. A new technology could soon help change that.
According to The Independent, citing draft guidance from the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and figures from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), the British health service is preparing to introduce a system that could dramatically increase the number of lungs available for transplantation.
Giving lungs another chance
Instead of allowing donated lungs to deteriorate after removal, the machine keeps them functioning outside the body.
It recreates natural conditions by warming the organs, circulating a fluid similar to blood plasma and providing ventilation, allowing specialists to evaluate and improve their condition.
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During this process, transplant teams can treat infections, remove excess fluid, reopen collapsed areas and closely monitor how well the lungs are working before deciding whether they are suitable for transplantation.
A major shortage
Only around 23% of donated lungs that meet the initial suitability criteria are currently transplanted, according to NHS Blood and Transplant. NICE believes the technology could recover up to four out of five lungs that would otherwise be discarded.
Around 170 people, including six children, are currently waiting for a lung transplant in the UK. For many adults, the wait lasts well over a year, while some patients die before a suitable organ becomes available.
NHS prepares rollout
NICE has recommended introducing the technology across the NHS for an initial four-year period while further evidence is gathered on its clinical impact and cost-effectiveness.
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Health officials also hope the rollout will create more consistent access across the country, ensuring that a patient's location no longer determines whether they can benefit from the technology.
If expectations are met, hundreds more patients could receive life-saving transplants in the years ahead.
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