The German Society for Tissue Transplantation (DGFG) reports an increase of around 12 percent in tissue donations in 2023. With a total of 3,475 donations, 87 percent of which came from those who died of cardiovascular disease, the DGFG was able to provide 7,503 patients with tissue transplants.
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The cornea remains the most commonly donated tissue – 6,656 specimens were removed from donors in 2023 to save the eyesight of 3,352 people. Heart valves are the second most common type of tissue donated, with around 494 donations. Despite an increase in organ donations, there remains a shortage of heart valves, which is why the DGFG is pushing ahead with the expansion of donations for those who have died of cardiovascular disease. The donation of bones, tendons and ligaments is also becoming increasingly important. The musculoskeletal tissue donation program was started in March 2022 and is already showing initial success.
(Image: Statista)
Particularly noteworthy is the increased interest in the use of amniotic membranes in wound care. Twelve successful applications in 2023 demonstrate the versatile possibilities of this tissue obtained from the placenta, which is used, for example, to treat severe wound healing disorders and burns. The DGFG expects demand for amnion to increase in 2024.
Where the tissue donations come from
Most tissue donations in 2023 came from Lower Saxony. According to DGFG statistics, the state supplied 539 preparations. North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania follow with more than 400 tissue donations each. The number of donations from Rhineland-Palatinate (18) and Brandenburg (28) was particularly low.
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Around seven out of ten donors were older than 65 at the time of their death. Only around one in ten donations comes from people under 55. This shows that the tissues are still suitable for transplantation even at an advanced age and can save other people’s lives or restore quality of life.
(jl)
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