How are Organs Transported for Transplantation in Chile? An Exploratory Study

Area of Science:

• Transplantation Medicine
• Medical Logistics
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Limited medical literature exists on organ transport procedures and safety.
• Organ transplantation is a critical medical intervention with complex logistical requirements.
• Ensuring the viability of transported organs is paramount for successful transplantation outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize organ transport methods in Chilean health centers.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of current organ transportation protocols.
• To identify areas for improvement in organ packaging, preservation, and transfer.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory study utilizing semistructured interviews with health professionals involved in organ procurement and transplantation.
• Interviews focused on understanding organ packaging, transportation processes, and associated challenges.
• A qualitative approach was employed to gather detailed insights and perceptions from experts.

Main Results:

• Seventy-one percent of participants reported using polystyrene containers for organ transport.
• 100% of respondents confirmed the use of common ice for organ preservation.
• 86% indicated a lack of temperature monitoring, and 100% found receptacle quality insufficient for safe organ transfer.
• In 2019, 5% of donated organs (27 organs) were not implanted due to transport-related issues.

Conclusions:

• Chilean organ transport procedures require modernization and professionalization.
• There is a critical need to update guidelines and implement advanced technologies for organ preservation and transport.
• Enhancing organ transport safety is essential to improve transplantation success rates in Chile.