Organs

Living donor transplants are a viable alternative for patients in need of new organs. Many different types of organs can be supplied by living donors, including:

• Kidney
  This is the most frequent type of living organ donation. All living kidney donors will experience a decrease in their kidney function, which varies depending on the donor’s age and medical history. Learn how your kidneys work and about kidney disease.
• Liver
  Individuals can donate a segment of the liver, which has the ability to regenerate and regain full function. Learn how your liver works.
• Lung
  Although lung lobes do not regenerate, in rare cases individuals can donate a lobe of one lung. Learn how your lungs work.
• Intestine
  Although very rare, it is possible to donate a portion of your intestine. Learn how your intestines work.
• Pancreas
  In extremely rare circumstances, individuals can also donate a portion of the pancreas. Learn how your pancreas works.
• Heart
  A domino transplant makes some heart-lung recipients living heart donors. When a patient receives a heart-lung “bloc” from a deceased donor, his or her healthy heart may be given to an individual waiting for a heart transplant. Extremely rare, this procedure is used when physicians determine that the deceased donor lungs will function best if they are used in conjunction with the deceased donor heart. Learn how your heart works.
• Uterus
  A few living donor uterus transplants have been performed as part of clinical trials.

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