Lifeserving

Lifeserving refers to the medical specialty of organ procurement and the care of potential organ donors, with the ultimate goal of providing life-saving transplantation to patients in need. The field of lifeserving has evolved significantly over the years, with Dedicated Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) emerging as central to the process.

In the United States, the lifeserving process typically begins when a hospital or healthcare facility refers a potential donor to a Designated OPO. The OPO team of medical professionals, including surgeons, nurse coordinators, and other support staff, then conducts the donor evaluation to determine their suitability for organ donation. This process, known as the consent and education process, aims to ensure that the donor's wishes regarding organ donation are respected.

If the donor is deemed suitable, the OPO team coordinates the retrieval of organs from the donor. This process, known as organ recovery, typically occurs under the direction of experienced surgeons and anesthesiologists. The donated organs are then transported to other hospitals or transplant centers where waiting recipients are undergoing surgery.

Throughout this process, the primary focus of the lifeserving team remains on the care and safety of the donor and their family, as well as the recipients who will benefit from the donated organs. The field of lifeserving relies heavily on the coordination of multiple healthcare professionals, hospitals, and OPOs to provide compassionate care and life-saving transplantation services to patients in need.

Lifeserving involves a delicate balance between respecting the autonomy of the donor and their family, and providing life-saving options to those in need of an organ transplant.