Transplant tales. 1/2.

This programme follows the inner workings of the transplant service in Scotland. Consultant Transplant Surgeon John Asher discusses the reason for the decline in healthy organ donations from deceased patients. Asher explains the health risks of using dialysis during the wait for a kidney transplant. Live Kidney Donor Coordinator Jen Lumsden explains the Paired Pool Scheme for live organ donations. Transplant Surgeon Marc Clancy discusses new breakthroughs in the transplant community, including the introduction of the drug eculizumab, which allows one of his patients with Atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome to receive a kidney transplant. Clancy talks through the surgery, including some complications. Consultant Cardiologist Dr Mark Petrie discusses statistics on heart failure in Scotland. Petrie explains the pump treatment being given to one of his patients with end-stage heart failure. Consultant Cardiac and Transplant Surgeon Philip Curry and Transplant Coordinator Lorraine Jerrett discuss a recent donation for Petrie’s patient. The programme visits two brothers who underwent altruistic donations.