Preparation and transport of the organ before it reaches its recipient

Every step of the organ preparation process is designed to ensure the safety, quality, and success of the transplant. Medical teams work closely together to guarantee a smooth and efficient transition of the organ from the donor to the recipient.

The typical process includes the following steps:

1. Organ Procurement
   Organ retrieval is performed under strict surgical conditions by a specialized transplant team. Organs are removed as soon as possible after brain death or circulatory death has been confirmed. During the procedure, the organs are flushed with a preservation solution to maintain their viability. The maximum preservation times before transplantation are:
   • Heart: up to 4 hours
   • Small intestine: up to 6 hours
   • Lungs: up to 10 hours
   • Liver: up to 12 hours
   • Pancreas: up to 12 hours
   • Kidneys: up to 24 hours
   These time limits represent the period during which each organ can be preserved under optimal conditions.
2. Organ Evaluation
   After retrieval, the organ is carefully assessed to ensure it is suitable for transplantation. Blood tests and other medical examinations help evaluate organ function and identify any potential risk of infection or disease. For example, kidney function is assessed before a kidney transplant.
3. Recipient Selection
   While the donor is being cared for, Eurotransplant searches its centralized database to identify the most compatible recipient based on medical and allocation criteria.
4. Storage and Transport
   Organs are transported as quickly as possible from the donor hospital to the transplant center. During transport, they are stored in sterile containers with preservation solution and ice to maintain a stable, low temperature and minimize tissue damage.
5. Recipient Preparation
   At the same time, the recipient is prepared for surgery. This includes a final medical assessment, compatibility confirmation, and preparation for the transplant procedure. Immunosuppressive medication may also be started to reduce the risk of rejection.
6. Transplantation
   As soon as the organ arrives at the transplant center, it is prepared for implantation. The transplant surgery is performed using techniques specific to each organ. Timing is critical to maximize the chances of a successful transplant.
7. Post-Transplant Follow-up
   After surgery, the recipient is closely monitored for signs of organ rejection, infection, or other complications. Lifelong medical follow-up and adherence to immunosuppressive treatment are essential to ensure the long-term success of the transplant.