Cardiovascular tissue donation
Cardiovascular tissue is transplanted to restore normal heart function for people.
Heart valve donation can be considered for patients 3.5 kg and over, up to patients of 70 years.
When organs are not being donated, cardiovascular tissue can only be donated at Auckland City Hospital.
What does cardiovascular tissue donation involve?
The heart is removed and sent to the heart valve bank, where the cardiovascular tissue is prepared for transplant. These tissues are often used for newborn babies and can be stored for up to five years.
If the whānau wishes, the remaining heart tissue is returned to the deceased person. Otherwise, it is respectfully cremated. These wishes should be discussed with whānau prior to donation.
The heart valve donation process
The process is the same for all tissue donations.
Learn more about tissue donation
The six-step process, screening, bloods and the physical assessment.
If you don't have the answer, call ODNZ, or ask the whānau spokesperson whether they would like a donor coordinator to phone them directly.