Tissues for transplantation, sourced from deceased or living donors, are frequently utilized in medical procedures to repair or replace damaged or diseased tissues in a recipient. These donated biological materials, which include bone, skin, tendons, ligaments, heart valves, and corneas, provide a viable alternative when a patient’s own tissues are insufficient or unsuitable for reconstruction or repair. For instance, a person with a severe burn may require skin from a donor to cover the affected area and promote healing.
The use of donor tissue offers several advantages. It can restore function, alleviate pain, and improve the quality of life for recipients. The availability of these grafts eliminates the need to harvest tissue from the recipient’s own body, which reduces surgical time, recovery time, and potential complications at the donor site. Historically, the development and refinement of tissue banking and processing techniques have played a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of donated grafts, minimizing the risk of disease transmission and maximizing graft viability.
