[Organ sharing network for organ transplantation from heart-beating deceased donors].

Organ sharing network is indispensable for ensuring the fair, smooth and rapid shipping transplant organs. In Japan, Kidney Transplant Network was founded in 1995, and thereafter reformed to Organ Transplant Network following the legislation and enforcement of Organ Transplant Act. Under these circumstances, 36 cases of the organ donation from heart-beating deceased donor have been realized, and consequently 27 cases of cardiac transplants, 22 cases of lung transplants, 28 cases of liver transplants and 20 cases of combined pancreas and kidney transplants were done as for March of 2005. Clinical outcomes of these transplantations can be compared favorably to those of the West countries. The number of death on the waiting list, however, amounted to 70 for cardiac transplant, 67 for lung transplant, 134 for liver transplant, which would be 2.5 to 5 times as much as those who underwent transplantation. To make a breakthrough in issues on the organ shortage, the public enlightenment, the promotion of donor cards/seals, the amendment of Organ Transplant Act and related regulations and the insurance coverage of the cost of organ donation/transplantation are urgent challenges today.