Tissue Donation Process, part 2

Tissue Recovery
The procedures for tissue recovery are dependent on the tissues consented to and the viability of the potential tissues for graft development.

The recovery process is performed in a sterile environment by qualified, highly trained recovery technicians. The tissue is washed with a sterile solution and packaged in a sterile container until all blood test results have been evaluated and the tissue has been released for processing.  

Processing and Storage of Donated Tissue
After all of the blood test results are evaluated and the tissue is released, the processing of the tissue proceeds as follows:

1. The tissue is removed from storage and processed in the tissue center laboratory under strict clean-room regulations. The following are a few of the grafts that can be made from donated tissue.
• Donor bones can be cut and forms into smaller blocks, dowels, or wedges for cervical (spine) fusions.
• Donor bone can be used to aid in the healing process of bone fractures and defects.
• Donor bone can be ground into a surgical powder to enhance the bone growth in dental surgeries.
• Donor bone can be used to fill voids left by cancer removal in recipient bones.
• Donor tendons can be formed and used for recipient tendon repair.
• The pericardium and fascia can be rolled and sutured to form a tendon for repair. (Rare, but successful. These grafts are mostly used as skin grafts.)
• Saphenous veins are used in cardiovascular (heart) bypass surgeries.
• Heart valves are processed and used to repair heart valve defects in the recipient.

After the tissue has been processed, it is thoroughly cleaned, dried, and placed in surgical packaging.

1. The sealed, packaged tissue is sent to be sterilized and will not be opened until in a sterile operating room.
2. The sterilized tissue returns to the tissue center where it is placed in an outer container for protection against the elements.
3. The tissue is stored in a regulated environment until the surgeon needs the graft. Regulations for storing tissue include storage temperatures, expiration dates, and facility.

Distribution of Processed Tissue
Tissue distribution is different from organ distribution in that a national waiting list is not necessary. Almost anyone can receive a tissue graft. The surgeon will determine which grafts are necessary for your surgery and will then place an order for the graft to the local contracted tissue center. The tissue center will then deliver the graft to the surgery center.