The number of UK kidney transplants could be doubled and hundreds of lives saved by using more organs from those whose hearts have stopped, experts say.
Traditionally kidneys from those who are brain dead but whose hearts are still working have been preferred.
A Cambridge University study of 9,000 transplants found kidneys from “cardiac death” donors – used on a local basis but not nationally – are as good.
In the Lancet, experts said the results were “persuasive” about the benefits.
It is estimated about 700 people die each year waiting for a kidney.
At present, there are 7,000 people waiting for a transplant, but only about 2,500 are performed each year.
Kidneys from those whose brains have stopped functioning but whose hearts continue to beat on life-support are prioritised for transplant as these organs have not been deprived of a blood supply.
Read more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11013335