[Faline]

Transmedics Organ Care System:

Doctors call it a “beating heart transplant,” but it’s more commonly known as “heart in a box.” In the new method, doctors use a machine to keep a transplanted heart viable outside a patient’s body for up to 12 hours. The machine pumps oxygenated blood through the heart, keeping it in good condition longer.It was life-saving for DeStefano, New England’s first patient. The mother of two hopes to be home from Massachusetts General Hospital next week.Right now, about half of all donor hearts are wasted with the current method of putting them on ice because that can only keep the heart useable for four hours.

“Heart in a box” transplants are common in Europe. The device was created by Andover company TransMedics Inc.

[Sharon]

That's really cool!

Wonder if other organs could be preserved longer too?

[Space Particle]

What a lovely looking heart, hopefully everything goes as they wish.

[Rachee]

Nice

[Yvesrow1]

medical advancements never cease to amaze me

[winvens]

Yet another awesome post, Kelly.
Advances in medicine and science are terrific, I myself wouldn't be alive without many of them. (I was born at 24 weeks gestation almost 33 years ago. I weighed 1lb 11oz and was 13 inches long.) Am very proud to say I flipped Death the finger more than once

[Spiffyfable]

Ah the Perfect Valentines Day Gift

[sassieroses]

Amazing medical advancements!

[mintycbo]

My heart will go on....

[Jere]