![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/hearts-from-donors-who-died-with-covid-can-still-be-safely-used-in-transplants/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/0_Surgeons-in-full-surgical-gear-during-operation.jpg&description=A new study has found that hearts from donors who died with Covid can still be used as safely as normal transplants as the UK waitlist for such an operation continues to growThe new study shows hearts from people who died with Covid are safe for transplant Hearts from donors who died with Covid can still be safely used in transplants, according to new research. The study of dozens of transplants found that the hearts were just as safe as ones from people without the virus. Lead author Samuel Kim said: "These findings suggest we may be able to be more aggressive about accepting donors when patients are in dire need of an organ for heart transplantation." Despite worries that the hearts may have been affected by the deadly virus, there was no recorded increase in mortality or complications. Researchers were surprised when none of the recipients died from respiratory causes or infections, based on the first 84 people to be given hearts from Covid positive donors. Mr Kim, a medical student at the University of California, Los Angeles, said: "Specifically, we thought death from respiratory or lung related causes would be a problem among recipients receiving donor hearts with Covid-19. Despite fears the transplant may lead to respiratory or lung problems the study proved the Covid transplants were just as safe ( Getty Images) "Yet, we found no such differences, and in fact, this study offers early evidence Covid-19-positive donor hearts may be as safe as hearts without Covid-19 for heart transplantation." The NHS said there were no confirmed cases of transmission through organ donation. But if someone has Covid they will not be able to donate their organs. The breakthrough came as demand for heart transplants has doubled in the past 30 years in the UK, with hundreds stuck on the waiting list. During the pandemic, organ donations plunged by nearly a third as many potential donors died at home, rather than in hospital. Mr Kim said: "Despite the increased need for this opera){kind=link}
A new study has found that hearts from donors who died with Covid can still be used as safely as normal transplants as the UK waitlist for such an operation continues to grow
Hearts from donors who died with Covid can still be safely used in transplants, according to new research.
The study of dozens of transplants found that the hearts were just as safe as ones from people without the virus.
Lead author Samuel Kim said: “These findings suggest we may be able to be more aggressive about accepting donors when patients are in dire need of an organ for heart transplantation.”
Despite worries that the hearts may have been affected by the deadly virus, there was no recorded increase in mortality or complications.