West Palm Beach, Florida (CBS12) – If you've ever found someone on the waiting list for an organ transplant, you're going to be tough, emotional and there's no guarantee that you'll be able to get out of that list.
As of today, more than 100,000 Americans are awaiting organ transplants, according to data collected by a department of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
New technologies used here in South Florida are increasing the amount of successful organ transplants.
I didn't realize how sick I was.
“I didn't realize how sick I was,” said organ recipient Katelyn Turk.
For about ten years, Turks struggled to go to the doctor after the doctor was waiting for answers.
“We found out that's the disease I have and that it's primary sclerosing cholangitis,” the Turk told CBS12 News.
Eventually, she was placed on the liver transplant waitlist, and last October she received news she had been waiting for.
“when [doctors] They opened the door they said, “Hey, we have a liver for you,” Turkey said.
Turk reports that a CBS12 news doctor used an organ perfusion pump with the new liver.
Dr. Bobby Zelbos, a liver transplant chair at Cleveland Clinic in Florida, explains how it works.
“When the liver is collected, it is placed on ice and shipped to the transplant center,” Dr. Zervos told CBS12 News. “Now there is an option to connect the liver at a liver hospital and perfuse it with blood and other important mineral vitamins.”
Once the liver is collected, it is placed on ice and shipped to the transplant center. Currently, there is an option to connect the liver at a liver hospital and perfuse it with blood and other important mineral vitamins.
Before the technology hit the market, Dr. Zervos explained that many livers are not being used due to concerns, and that the quality of new bodies and organs is not working anytime soon.
This machine allows doctors to monitor organs in real time, so that they can make sure that they are viable.
It is used in the liver, heart and kidneys.
Dr. Zeros explains that pumps can maintain organs for hours, and in some countries early studies suggest that organs can remain alive for several days.
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The Turks believe this innovative technology has changed her life.
The doctors confirmed that liver could be harvested from a 50-year-old gentleman in another area of Florida and was practicable for transplantation.
“I am extremely grateful to the donor's family,” the Turk told CBS12 News. “They are my large family that I don't know yet. But I hope to meet them one day.”
Anyone can become an organ donor here in Florida – Sign up click here.
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