Another example of an artificial organ is the bioartificial liver. This artificial organ is intended for the treatment of liver failure when using stem cells. While this organ is in the process of being developed and completed it is designed to serve as a supportive device. It will either allow the liver to regenerate upon acute liver failure, or to bridge the patient's liver functions until a transplant is available for them. This bioartificial organ uses real liver cells which are known as hepatocytes but can still not be substituted permanently for a liver. Researchers Dr. Colin McGucklin, Professor of Regenerative Medicine at Newcastle University, and Dr. Nico Forraz, Senior Research Associate and Clinical Sciences Business Manager at Newcastle University, have come to the conclusion that within the next five years, pieces of artificial liver may be used to repair livers that were injured or damaged.
PROS OF ARTIFICAL ORGANS
They have a possibility of prolonging life
Can make the general quality of a patient's life better
Help regenerate skin (on burn victims)
Solution to the problem of low supply og organs available for donation
Organ transplant lists will become unnecessary in the future
Gives the possibility to a patient to beat a disease or illness
CONS
Ethical issues amongst the human race (many are against this type of procedure)
Possiblity of having a hidden disease in the base tissue in the original organ (not good if it gets into system of a patient)
Tracey,
ReplyDeleteI love the picture at the beginning of you blog! It gave a great visual and helped reinforce the idea of artificial organs being so similar to actual organs. I also really liked the layout of your pro-con list. It was easy to follow and had realistic concerns. Nice job!
Molly
I like the picture too.. although it's a little creepy!! It adds a nice visual that makes your blog more appealing to look at. I would recommend that you try fixing your fonts though.. mine weren't cooperating when I tried putting up my first few posts but once I figured it out, it looks so much neater! Overall, your information is really in-depth and helpful to understanding artificial organs. Great job :)
ReplyDeleteTracey, I really like the little introduction you gave on the background of artificial organs and what they can be made of, it was very helpful. Well done!
ReplyDelete