What is Transplant Ethics?

The field of transplant ethics is a specialty within the practice of clinical ethics. The goals of transplant ethics are to promote the integrity of transplant medicine, and the welfare of living donors and organ recipients. Because organs are very scarce and a precious gift, transplant ethics aims for organ allocation to those with the capacity to benefit from it.

There are many ethical dilemmas and complex situations that can arise during transplant and organ donation. Examples of transplant dilemmas include the following:

  • Ethics assessment of urgent patients;
  • Transplantation for those who are underinsured;
  • Assessment of patients expressing ambivalence about pursuing transplant;
  • Assessment of patients with compliance problems;
  • Assuring that living donations are without coercion and conflict of interest;
  • Assessments of those who are non-residents/foreign nationals or those with mental health issues, or those presented for re-transplantation;
  • Policy matters such as organ tourism (issues relating to treating patients who have obtained organs in foreign countries), Internet solicitation of living donors, and extended criteria organs (e.g., organs from older donors).

Additionally, the ethicist can work with cardiac teams and patients who are considering permanent or bridge use of ventricular assist devices.

If you are a physician/staff member, patient, potential organ donor, someone who has donated, or a partner/caregiver and need ethics advice, you may request an ethics consult from Dr. Bramstedt by calling 415-600-1645 or 415-600-3991.

Upcoming Events:

Transplant Ethics Fundraiser/Community Event
Come join the party on the Sausalito waterfront and dance the night away. Details forthcoming.

Hot Topics in Transplant Ethics
March 23, 2010, 2:00 pm
Granite Bay Golf Club, Granite Bay, Calif.
For more information email Christina Szeto or call 415-600-7361.

Transplant Ethics Grand Rounds
Liver Re-Transplantation: Who, When, Why
Date: TBD (Q2 2010)

Publications
Laurentine KA, Bramstedt, KA. Too poor for transplant: Finance and insurance issues in transplant ethics. Prog Transpl 2010; 20: in press.

Veys CG, Bramstedt KA. Stranger donors: A key link in transplant chains. Prog Transpl 2010; 20: in press.

Bramstedt KA, Katznelson S. Being Sherlock Holmes: Using the Internet as a tool for assessing unrelated live organ donors. Clin Transplant 2009; 23: 157-161.

Neidich A, Bramstedt KA, Mahatny HD. Exploring transplant opportunities in Hmong culture: a case report. Prog Transpl 2009; 19: 188-191.

Support
The transplant ethics program operates entirely on philanthropic support. If you would like to make a donation please contact Dr. Bramstedt at 415-600-1645.