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Which organs can be donated?
Currently, someone may be able to donate his or her heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, and intestines, depending on their age, medical condition and circumstances at the time of death. Each organ is evaluated for possible donation individually. Many patients who are organ donors may also be candidates for tissue donation following the organ recovery. |
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Which tissues can be donated?
Many classifications of tissue may be donated once the legal next of kin grants permission (consent) for donation: |
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Whole eyes or corneas may be donated to provide the gift of sight. |
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Hearts may be donated for human heart valves. |
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Cardiovascular tissue, which includes the thoracic aorta, the abdominal aorta with iliac arteries, saphenous veins, and femoral vessels, may be donated to restore compromised blood circulation. |
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Bone and soft musculoskeletal tissue, such as ligaments, may be donated for orthopedic and spinal surgeries and sports medicine injuries. |
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Skin may be donated to promote healing and prevent infection in critically burned individuals. |
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