Transplant numbers show increase

[Posted: Wed 17/02/2010 by Niall Hunter, Editor]

The number of heart transplants carried out in Ireland nearly trebled last year, according to latest figures.

Eleven heart transplants were carried out at the country's main heart surgery centre at Dublin's Mater Hospital last year compared to only four in 2008.

According to the latest transplant figures, 172 kidney transplants were carried out at the national kidney transplant centre, Beaumont Hospital, last year, compared to 146 in 2008.

A total of 64 liver transplants were carried out at the liver transplant centre at St Vincent's Hospital last year, compared to 58 in 2008.

Five lung transplants were carried out at the Mater Hospital last year, compared to four in 2008.

Of the 172 kidney transplants carried out last year, 154 were from deceased donors while 18 were from living related donors.

Of the live related donors, nine were siblings donating kidneys, while four were donated from parents.

Of the 154 potential kidney donations from deceased patients recorded last year,

A total of 515 patients were on the waiting list for kidney transplants in December 2009, according to the report, which was compiled by the Organ Procurement Service at Dublin's Beaumont Hospital