'Heart in a Box' May Double Time that Organs Are Viable for Transplant
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A new device can keep donor hearts alive and beating for twice as long as a conventional transport cooler. Dubbed "Heart in a Box," the new system can keep a heart healthy and suitable for transplant for nine hours or more – it actually keeps the organ beating in transit.
The Doctors agree that this technology is a game changer. Urologist Dr. Jennifer Berman has worked with donor kidneys and says “I remember the stress of getting it out, getting it on ice …” With less of a time crunch, donors and recipients can be matched across greater distances, and surgeons will be able to work with less pressure while performing transplants.
Watch: Organ Transplant Technology
Speaking of transplants, ER Physician Dr. Travis Stork urges viewers to consider registering as organ donors. You might be able to save a life.
To learn more about becoming an organ donor, visit organdonor.gov.
