Aa
Building Organs
Not a question...just some info...saw this on the 17th on MSN and some of the other media outlets:
On June 17th a story ran carried on AP and most media coverage that covered a story about Dr. Anthony Atala
of Wake Forest North Carolina was in a photo showing him holding a prototype of a kidney.
Growing lungs and other organs for transplant is still in the future, but scientists are working toward that goal.
A 3-D printer builds prototype kidneys. In several labs, scientists study how to build on the internal scaffolding
of hearts, lungs, livers of people and pigs to make custom-made implants.
There's a really long web address....I found it just by searching "growing organs in lab in north Carolina".
Then of course there is the usual reiterate... should this really be done...isn't against this and that...you know
those people are sitting on a transplant list waiting.
On June 17th a story ran carried on AP and most media coverage that covered a story about Dr. Anthony Atala
of Wake Forest North Carolina was in a photo showing him holding a prototype of a kidney.
Growing lungs and other organs for transplant is still in the future, but scientists are working toward that goal.
A 3-D printer builds prototype kidneys. In several labs, scientists study how to build on the internal scaffolding
of hearts, lungs, livers of people and pigs to make custom-made implants.
There's a really long web address....I found it just by searching "growing organs in lab in north Carolina".
Then of course there is the usual reiterate... should this really be done...isn't against this and that...you know
those people are sitting on a transplant list waiting.
Best Answer
I don't understand. Maybe I am not saying it correctly. Have never professed to be a medical expert on any of this and all I can do is relay what my experience is. I believe what I meant was Orphanedhawk had a "live" donor "partial" transplant...and it worked for her at her stage which was dire.
Believe me I have pestered Hector with all sorts of outlandish reasoning but it comes down to the fact that I need to do a liver transplant. They won't consider doing a "live" donor transplant for me.
Am stage 4...with end stage liver disease (ESLD) and my liver is decompensated (dying). The decompensated area (about 85%) will not regenerate or rejuvenate. One can not live for long, especially as the cirrhosis continues on 10 - 15% of your liver.
By the time you get to stage 4 with decomp a large portion of your liver is already dead. It is their protocol at this point, for me, to do a whole liver transplant.
Others might have different experiences and I would like to hear all of them. Through this site I have met many strong courageous people who give me helpful information all of the time.
All I know...the numbers are just mind boggling as to how many people are waiting for a liver on a transplant list. 17,000. All with different stories I am sure. So I am not here to speak for 17,000 people....just to say...come on medical world....do something....this is crazy.
Believe me I have pestered Hector with all sorts of outlandish reasoning but it comes down to the fact that I need to do a liver transplant. They won't consider doing a "live" donor transplant for me.
Am stage 4...with end stage liver disease (ESLD) and my liver is decompensated (dying). The decompensated area (about 85%) will not regenerate or rejuvenate. One can not live for long, especially as the cirrhosis continues on 10 - 15% of your liver.
By the time you get to stage 4 with decomp a large portion of your liver is already dead. It is their protocol at this point, for me, to do a whole liver transplant.
Others might have different experiences and I would like to hear all of them. Through this site I have met many strong courageous people who give me helpful information all of the time.
All I know...the numbers are just mind boggling as to how many people are waiting for a liver on a transplant list. 17,000. All with different stories I am sure. So I am not here to speak for 17,000 people....just to say...come on medical world....do something....this is crazy.
I didn't understand post ?
I'm always curious about this, but don't quite understand this statement, I have never heard it before.
At stage 4 with decompensated liver I would need a whole liver transplant not a partial.
I'm always curious about this, but don't quite understand this statement, I have never heard it before.
At stage 4 with decompensated liver I would need a whole liver transplant not a partial.
I'm wondering how this is determined, "partial from a live donor" or "transplant".
I'm just not understanding how Orphanedhawk was so close to death and a partial was able to save her? It must be as you say __each person is different.
Yes those numbers are so sad!! :(
I'm just not understanding how Orphanedhawk was so close to death and a partial was able to save her? It must be as you say __each person is different.
Yes those numbers are so sad!! :(
I never heard that it mattered, OH had only about 8 or 9% of her liver working when she had a (partial) live liver TP. That would seem to be about as decompensated as one could get and stay alive?
Sense they remove the whole decompensated liver I wasn't sure how that could matter..... Being cirrhotic I am always interested in learning about these things.
Sense they remove the whole decompensated liver I wasn't sure how that could matter..... Being cirrhotic I am always interested in learning about these things.
A post from Hector awhile back, there is of course certain guidelines a Donor must meet.
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Assessment of Potential Donors
As a potential living liver donor, you'll got through an in-depth assessment of your health. It's your health that is of utmost importance to the transplant team. What they want to know is that:
Your blood and tissue types are compatible with the recipient.
You are healthy enough to withstand major surgery and recover completely.
You have a healthy liver.
With these three primary goals in mind, here is how donor candidates are medically evaluated.
1. Blood and Tissue Compatibility
Blood type. The first step is to determine your blood type. There are four blood types designated by the presence or absence of two antigens—the A antigen and the B antigen. Blood type A means you have the A antigen. Type B means you have the B antigen. Type AB means you have both antigens. Type O means you have neither antigen.
You must have a blood type compatible with the recipient or you will not be able to donate. Here is who can donate to whom:
Type A can donate to types A and AB.
Type B can donate to types B and AB.
Type AB can donate to type AB.
Type O can donate to types A, B, AB, and O.
The blood type is determined by drawing your blood and testing it.
Tissue type. Whether tissue typing is done appears to vary; some transplant centers mention it and others don't. Tissue compatibility looks at the match of human leukocyte antigens (HLA). Your antigens are determined by drawing blood and testing it. A similar test is run for the recipient, and the antigens are compared. The closer the match the better because the recipient is less likely to reject the donated organ. However, developments in anti-rejection drugs have made tissue matching less important. More details on this type of testing can be found in the section on kidneys.
Crossmatching. The third blood test is an important one. Crossmatching is a further testing of antigen compatibility. In this test, white blood cells from you are mixed with blood from the recipient. If the white blood cells are attacked and die, then the crossmatch is "positive," which is a negative as far as your ability to donate. It means the recipient is "sensitized" to the you—the recipient has antibodies to some of your antigens—so the recipient's immune system would turn on the donated organ. If the crossmatch is negative, you are compatible with the recipient.
2. Your General Health
At some point in the screening process, you will have a complete physical exam. When this occurs varies. You will share your medical history and possibly have a series of tests, such as a chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, blood tests, urine tests, and so on. Female donor candidates may also undergo a gynecological exam, pregnancy test, and mammogram. The purpose of the exam is to ensure you don't have any health conditions that would rule you out as a donor.
In the case of liver donation, there are specific health criteria for potential donors. The criteria depends on the transplant center, but here's a list of considerations:
No heart, renal, or liver problems or abnormalities.
No history of deep vein thrombosis or history of bleeding problems.
Negative for Hepatitis B and C and for HIV.
No history of diabetes.
No prior liver surgery.
No alcoholism or frequent and heavy alcohol intake.
No history of cancer.
No psychiatric illness under treatment.
Your height and weight compared to the recipient is "appropriate."
There may be an age limit. One center places it at 45, another at 60. Check with your transplant team.
3. Health of Your Liver
Following a general assessment of your health, the testing focuses on the integrity of your liver with these tests:
Hepatic angiogram. This test identifies the blood vessels of the liver. The procedure is done in a hospital and is relatively invasive. For this test, you will change into a hospital gown and lay on a gurney. A dye is injected into an artery—some people feel pain or heat temporarily after the dye is released—and X-rays are taken to determine the mapping of your liver's blood vessels. After this test, you are required to remain immobile for several hours. Because the test was done via an artery, the physician wants to be absolutely sure the wound is completely healed before you leave.
Computed tomography (CT) angiography. The test, commonly called a CT scan, is a sophisticated form of X-ray. In this case, a dye is injected into a vein, you lay flat on a table, and the table moves through a special machine shaped like a giant doughnut. The machine projects a thin x-ray beam through your body and measures the output. The dye helps give more contrast to the blood vessels making them easier to identify. A computer takes the information from the x-ray scan and, using sophisticated mathematics, generates a three-dimensional image of your liver and surrounding anatomy.
The information from these tests is used by the surgeon to determine the anatomy of your liver and to decide which lobe is best for donation.
Because these tests use x-rays, female donor candidates should inform the medical technician if you are pregnant or think you're pregnant. Also, the tests use a dye that some people may have an allergic reaction to. Let the technician know if you have had allergic reactions in the past, especially to iodine.
4. Other Assessments
Depending on hospital guidelines and transplant team protocol, there may be other assessments, such as psychological and financial reviews:
A social worker or psychiatrist may evaluate your state of mind. What are your motives? What is your relationship to the recipient? Are you committed to donation or were you pressured?
This interview is an opportunity to explore any concerns you have about donation. Often, the transplant team will arrange to give you an out without embarrassment if you decide donation isn't for you.
You may also be asked about financial considerations. Can you get off work for testing, surgery, and recovery? Medical expenses are covered by the medical insurance of the recipient. But lost wages are not. What kind of paid sick leave and vacation do you have from your employer? Do you have other financial resources available if you need them? Do you need help raising money?
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Thanks for your post.
Thank your friend for being willing to give the gift of life.
Hector
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/live-liver-transplant/show/1564346
--------------------------------------------------
Assessment of Potential Donors
As a potential living liver donor, you'll got through an in-depth assessment of your health. It's your health that is of utmost importance to the transplant team. What they want to know is that:
Your blood and tissue types are compatible with the recipient.
You are healthy enough to withstand major surgery and recover completely.
You have a healthy liver.
With these three primary goals in mind, here is how donor candidates are medically evaluated.
1. Blood and Tissue Compatibility
Blood type. The first step is to determine your blood type. There are four blood types designated by the presence or absence of two antigens—the A antigen and the B antigen. Blood type A means you have the A antigen. Type B means you have the B antigen. Type AB means you have both antigens. Type O means you have neither antigen.
You must have a blood type compatible with the recipient or you will not be able to donate. Here is who can donate to whom:
Type A can donate to types A and AB.
Type B can donate to types B and AB.
Type AB can donate to type AB.
Type O can donate to types A, B, AB, and O.
The blood type is determined by drawing your blood and testing it.
Tissue type. Whether tissue typing is done appears to vary; some transplant centers mention it and others don't. Tissue compatibility looks at the match of human leukocyte antigens (HLA). Your antigens are determined by drawing blood and testing it. A similar test is run for the recipient, and the antigens are compared. The closer the match the better because the recipient is less likely to reject the donated organ. However, developments in anti-rejection drugs have made tissue matching less important. More details on this type of testing can be found in the section on kidneys.
Crossmatching. The third blood test is an important one. Crossmatching is a further testing of antigen compatibility. In this test, white blood cells from you are mixed with blood from the recipient. If the white blood cells are attacked and die, then the crossmatch is "positive," which is a negative as far as your ability to donate. It means the recipient is "sensitized" to the you—the recipient has antibodies to some of your antigens—so the recipient's immune system would turn on the donated organ. If the crossmatch is negative, you are compatible with the recipient.
2. Your General Health
At some point in the screening process, you will have a complete physical exam. When this occurs varies. You will share your medical history and possibly have a series of tests, such as a chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, blood tests, urine tests, and so on. Female donor candidates may also undergo a gynecological exam, pregnancy test, and mammogram. The purpose of the exam is to ensure you don't have any health conditions that would rule you out as a donor.
In the case of liver donation, there are specific health criteria for potential donors. The criteria depends on the transplant center, but here's a list of considerations:
No heart, renal, or liver problems or abnormalities.
No history of deep vein thrombosis or history of bleeding problems.
Negative for Hepatitis B and C and for HIV.
No history of diabetes.
No prior liver surgery.
No alcoholism or frequent and heavy alcohol intake.
No history of cancer.
No psychiatric illness under treatment.
Your height and weight compared to the recipient is "appropriate."
There may be an age limit. One center places it at 45, another at 60. Check with your transplant team.
3. Health of Your Liver
Following a general assessment of your health, the testing focuses on the integrity of your liver with these tests:
Hepatic angiogram. This test identifies the blood vessels of the liver. The procedure is done in a hospital and is relatively invasive. For this test, you will change into a hospital gown and lay on a gurney. A dye is injected into an artery—some people feel pain or heat temporarily after the dye is released—and X-rays are taken to determine the mapping of your liver's blood vessels. After this test, you are required to remain immobile for several hours. Because the test was done via an artery, the physician wants to be absolutely sure the wound is completely healed before you leave.
Computed tomography (CT) angiography. The test, commonly called a CT scan, is a sophisticated form of X-ray. In this case, a dye is injected into a vein, you lay flat on a table, and the table moves through a special machine shaped like a giant doughnut. The machine projects a thin x-ray beam through your body and measures the output. The dye helps give more contrast to the blood vessels making them easier to identify. A computer takes the information from the x-ray scan and, using sophisticated mathematics, generates a three-dimensional image of your liver and surrounding anatomy.
The information from these tests is used by the surgeon to determine the anatomy of your liver and to decide which lobe is best for donation.
Because these tests use x-rays, female donor candidates should inform the medical technician if you are pregnant or think you're pregnant. Also, the tests use a dye that some people may have an allergic reaction to. Let the technician know if you have had allergic reactions in the past, especially to iodine.
4. Other Assessments
Depending on hospital guidelines and transplant team protocol, there may be other assessments, such as psychological and financial reviews:
A social worker or psychiatrist may evaluate your state of mind. What are your motives? What is your relationship to the recipient? Are you committed to donation or were you pressured?
This interview is an opportunity to explore any concerns you have about donation. Often, the transplant team will arrange to give you an out without embarrassment if you decide donation isn't for you.
You may also be asked about financial considerations. Can you get off work for testing, surgery, and recovery? Medical expenses are covered by the medical insurance of the recipient. But lost wages are not. What kind of paid sick leave and vacation do you have from your employer? Do you have other financial resources available if you need them? Do you need help raising money?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for your post.
Thank your friend for being willing to give the gift of life.
Hector
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/live-liver-transplant/show/1564346
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Heart, I think you could have either a live donor liver transplant or a cadaver liver transplant, but many centers, perhaps yours, do not do live donor transplants. I think you may have misunderstood something regarding the reason why you can't have a live donor liver transplant. In your post above you said you were told that "your liver was too far gone and it would be too dangerous". So far as I know, having your liver be too far gone would not prevent you from having a live donor liver transplant. It is more likely that your center simply does not do live donor liver transplants. However, "it would be too dangerous" probably refers to the risks involved for the live donor. I believe that the primary reason that many transplant centers choose not to do live donor liver transplants is the risk to the live donor, at least that is what a transplant hepatologist at the University of Washington Medical Center explained to me.
Can-do, I think Heart is using the word "partial" to explain that OH's daughter donated part of her live liver to OH, so OH received part of her daughter's liver. I suspect that her liver transplant center does not do live donor liver transplants, and that's likely why a live donor transplant is not an option for her (don't know for sure, but that's what I am speculating). As Heart said above, she has decompensated Cirrhosis/ESLD, so remember that with her symptoms at that stage, it may be difficult at times to process, understand, remember, and express some details of a lot of information. Patience, grasshopper!
I will check around and see which centers in the US do live donor liver transplants just to clarify this question. In the meantime, Heart, you are doing everything right for your specific situation. For you, it's hurry up and wait!
Now both of you chillax (please)!
Advocate1955