Every year in Ontario, more than 2,000 people have their lives enhanced or saved by tissue transplants. But as is also the case for organ donation, there are many more people who could benefit from transplants than there are tissue donations. Because the need is greater than the amount of donated tissue available, some operations have to be delayed or cancelled; some people who need help don't get it. You can change that. Your decision to give the gift of life can make a difference. Register your consent to donate and talk with your family about your decision.
Corneas, skin, bone, cardiovascular tissue (heart valves and veins) and connective tissue (tendons, ligaments) are the most common types of tissue transplanted. One donor can provide tissue for as many as 75 recipients.
Donated tissue is used for reconstructing bones and joints; for repairing damaged hearts; for renewing eyesight; and for saving burn survivors' lives through skin donation.
Consent is confirmed with families at the hospital during end-of-life discussions. If the patient has documented consent to donate (signed donor card or registered through a Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care database or other document) these are discussed with the family at end-of-life. Access to donation decisions registered in the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care database enables Trillium Gift of Life Network to learn individual's recorded donation decision prior to being involved in discussions with family.
Testing is done to confirm the medical suitability of the organs and tissues and to determine who is the best match for transplant.
A Trillium Gift of Life Network Coordinator speaks with the donor's family to obtain the medical and social history of the person who has died. Recovery of the organs occurs in an operating room.
Trillium Gift of Life Network is contacted when someone has died, or when death is imminent to determine if the person dying is eligible to save and enhance lives through organ and tissue donation. If a person is eligible to donate, Trillium Gift of Life Network works closely with the health care professionals at the hospital to support the grieving family through the decision to donate, and ensure as many people as possible are helped through the gift of life. Trillium Gift of Life Network will contact the family when recovery is complete and will send a letter to the family to thank them for the donation and to inform them of the outcome.
Just about anyone at any age can donate tissue. As long as tissue is healthy, it may be helpful to others. The oldest Canadian tissue donor was 102. And the fact that someone wears glasses has no bearing on whether corneas and eye tissue might be of benefit. Doctors and other transplant team professionals are in the best position to decide if tissue can or can't be successfully used. The individual will be assessed and screened for donation suitability. If donation does proceed, bones, tendons, veins, heart valves, skin, corneas and/or eye tissue are surgically removed with great care. None of these donations would be noticeable or have any effect on an open casket viewing for the donor.
Powered by Innovasium