These organs remain alive even after a person's death, but how much time can they be transplanted?

The life span of different organs varies, which is directly related to the time frame of their transplant. After removing the organs from the body, they are kept in a special solution and at a cold temperature.

The human body is no less than a machine. Even if a person is declared medically dead, all the organs of his body do not stop working immediately. Modern medical science and the process of organ donation have made it possible to preserve some organs even after death and give new life to the needy. This process is mainly possible in the case of people declared brain dead, because blood circulation and oxygen supply in their body are maintained through artificial means, so that the organs can be kept alive for some time.

Which organs remain alive for how long after death?

 

 

The life span of different organs varies, which is directly related to the time frame of their transplant. After removing the organs from the body, they are kept in a special solution and at a cold temperature so that their functionality remains intact.

Here are some major organs and their estimated transplant timelines.

• Heart: The heart is one of the most sensitive organs. It is considered best to transplant it within 4 to 6 hours after death.
• Lungs: Lungs, like the heart, need to be transplanted within 4 to 6 hours. These, too, are highly time-sensitive.
• Liver: Liver can be preserved for transplant for 8 to 12 hours. Its comparatively longer duration makes it more suitable for long-distance transportation.
• Pancreas: The Pancreas is usually ready for transplant within 12 to 18 hours. Some sources suggest it may be as long as 24 hours.
• Intestines: Intestines need to be transplanted within 8 to 16 hours.
• Kidneys: Kidneys are among the longest-surviving vital organs. They can be kept safe for transplant for 24 to 36 hours after death, in some cases even up to 72 hours. This is why the number of kidney transplants is higher than other organs.
• Eyes: The cornea of the eye can be removed within 6 to 8 hours after death. However, corneal tissue can be stored for up to 14 days after removal, allowing more time for transplant.
• Skin: Skin tissue can be extracted within 24 hours after death and can be stored for up to 5 years after special processing.
• Bones: Bones can also be removed within 24 hours and stored for up to 5 years.
• Heart valves: Heart valves can be removed after death and can be stored for up to 10 years.

Process and Challenges of Organ Donation

Donation of vital organs is possible only if the person has been declared 'brain dead' in the hospital and is put on ventilator support. This is so that the organs continue to receive oxygen and remain viable. If a person dies at home or due to cardiac arrest, donation of vital organs is usually not possible, as the organs get damaged within a few minutes due to lack of oxygen. Time is very important in organ transplantation, which is called cold ischemia time. During this time, the organ is taken out of the body and kept in a cold environment. The less time this process takes, the better the success rate of the transplant.

Organ donation is a lifesaving act. It is important to understand that some of our organs continue to live for some time even after death and can give the precious gift of life to someone else. Due to the advancement of medical science and quick response systems, it has now become possible to transplant these organs successfully, giving new hope to thousands of people.