Donation, procurement and transplantation of organs and tissue

TISSUE DONATION

When we talk about procuring and transplanting tissues in France, it chiefly relates to the cornea (the thin membrane on the surface of the eyes). But other tissues can be harvested after death, such as skin, bones, arteries, veins and heart valves. In France, more than 9,000 corneas are collected each year. This form of donation has grown significantly in recent years, mainly because of the development of general hospitals. The number of corneas procured currently meets the needs of patients. The donation of corneas enables thousands of people who have lost their sight to be treated each year.

THE ROLE OF THE AGENCE DE LA BIOMEDECINE

• The Agence de la biomédecine manages the national waiting list for organ transplantation, the national waiting list for corneal transplantation and the national register of refusal for organ and tissue donation.
• It also maintains the register of cross over donations of organs between living people.
• It devises rules for the allocation of organs.
• It is responsible for regulating the procurement and allocation of organs.
• It is responsible for monitoring the state of health of living organ donors.
• The Agence de la biomédecine publishes information on the donation, procurement and transplantation of organs and tissue, and works to promote donation.
• The Agence also makes its expertise in this field available to regional health authorities. In this capacity, it expresses an opinion on all requests emanating from healthcare institutions wishing to carry out the procurement and transplantation of organs and tissue.
• It also organises the work of the expert committees authorising the living donations, providing secretarial services.