Tissue donation after death treasures the memory of your loved one

It can be comforting to know so many people will lead improved, healthier lives because you or your loved one made the generous decision of tissue donation. Each year, nearly a million tissue -procurement - to - transplant surgeries are performed in the United States. These allograft surgeries allow patients to become stronger and more mobile.

We want you to feel confident in the tissue donation process and this confidence begins in answering the question, “what is tissue donation?” We’ve comprised a non-exhaustive list of examples of recovered tissues and how they are used:

Bone

  •  Facial reconstruction
  •  Limb salvage
  •  Correction of birth defects
  •  Cancer treatments
  •  Spinal and oral surgery

Fascia (fibrous tissue that covers the muscles)

  •  Repairs tendons, ligaments and deformities

Heart valve Tissue

  •  Replaces valves weakened by disease or congenital defects

Ligaments

  •  Repair joint injuries

Pericardium (membranous bag that surrounds the heart)

  •  Provides patch grafts in cardiac procedures, especially in children

Skin

  •  Acts as a temporary covering for burns
  •  Decreases pain, infection, scarring, heat and fluid loss

Tendons

  •  Repair joint injuries

Veins

  •  Improve leg circulation
  •  Used in coronary bypass surgery
  •  Preserves lower limbs

What are allographs?

An allograft is a tissue graft from a same species donor, but not genetically identical to the recipient. They are used in a variety of ways to relieve pain, save lives, repair limbs, and more.

How is tissue procurement different than organ donation?

Firstly, people need more education about tissue procurement and donation. Even though more tissue could be donated than organs, less is available to recipients because both donors and medical professionals simply don’t have as much education or awareness about tissue donation as organ donation.

Another major difference between organ and tissue donation is that organs need to be used right away, while donated tissues can be stored for extended periods. Also, while organs mainly save lives, tissue donation both saves lives and provides improved quality of life for people suffering from impaired vision, poor circulation, and certain skin or bone wounds.

Learn more about tissue donation on our Tissue Donation Facts page

Are you ready to become a donor?

You can help make a difference through the gift of donation.
One person can save and heal up to 75 lives.