The agreement to take healthy organs or tissues from one person to replace damaged organs or tissues in another person. In most cases, the organ is taken from someone who has recently died, but there are procedures for transplanting portions of the liver, lung, and pancreas from a living donor as well. People who want to donate their organs upon death can sign a donor card (available with driver’s licenses in some states) and carry it with them; they should also tell family members of their wishes.
The removal of a body part from one person for transplantation into another, typically to restore functional capacity.
The consent of an individual (or their family) for the surgical extraction of one or more organs to be utilized in transplant procedures.
The majority of organs frequently employed in transplantations, including the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, are extracted shortly after the individual’s demise. In cases of brain death confirmation, mechanical support can sustain heart and lung activity until organ retrieval takes place. Living donors might have the opportunity to donate a kidney, generally limited to close family members.
While not permitted in the UK, certain countries allow compensation for organ donors. Individuals can promote the posthumous use of their organs by notifying their family members and carrying a donor card.