influence of the Tissue Bank
Every year Hundreds of people in the Balearic Islands are waiting to get something which is invisible to many, but absolutely essential: tissue that could give them sight, heal bones, or even save a newborn’s life.. Behind each of these stories is Balearic Islands Tissue Bankan institution that works tirelessly to ensure that every donation turns into a new opportunity for those who need it most. From bone and cornea donation to more specialized tissues such as cord blood, vascular tissue and breast milkThe tissue bank functions as a bridge between generosity and medical science.
Javier Calvo Benito He is a doctor specialized in immunology and technical director of the Tissue Bank of the Balearic Islands. He explains to us that the bank has developed over the years and has become link not only in tissue preservationbut also in medical research And donation promotion. In addition to supplying local hospitals, the bank actively involved in research in the field of regenerative medicine and bioengineering.
There are known cases of donation of breast milk, bones and even umbilical cord blood. However, there is a whole world in the tissue bank that we don’t know about. For example, a planned caesarean section can produce amniotic membrane, tissue that can be used in eye surgery. Cord blood is so valuable that targeted donation exists: it involves collecting cord blood from a newborn to be used specifically for a specific patient, usually a family member, who needs cord blood. stem cell transplant.
Science is advancing rapidly and the Balearic Islands Tissue Bank is ready to adapt to new developments in regenerative medicine and biotechnology. Javier explains it They are going to launch two new tissues: vascular and ovarian.. The first consists of artery preservation which are used, for example, for infections of arterial grafts. In this case, the longest arteries of the body – the iliac and femoral – are kept deep frozen at a temperature of -150°C.
In the case of ovarian tissue, its possibilities are very encouraging. The young woman may have to go through chemotherapy it may damage your hormonal function for example, ovarian tissue. In this situation, the ovarian tissue could be removed before treatment and stored until recovery. It can then be re-implanted and allow hormonal function to resume so that the woman does not become depressed. menopause at a very young age and was even able to recover birth rate.
How fabrics are processed and preserved
At the Tissue Bank, each type of donated tissue is treated with the utmost care to ensure its quality and availability. Nothing is left to chance. The bone is cleaned and dehydrated and stored at very low temperatures. for use in dental reconstructions and operations. Corneasnecessary to restore vision, go through exhaustive research and are stored in solutions which keeps them viable for several weeks. Cord bloodrich in stem cells, freezeswhich allows you to preserve it for decades to treat diseases such as leukemia. breast milk is pasteurized and frozenbeing a vital resource for premature newborns or children with complications. Every donation, handled with care, becomes an opportunity in life.
Cornea in culture. / .
Impact on the Balearic Islands community
The Blood and Tissue Bank prepares an annual report reflecting the activities of the institution. This document is a testament to the growth and influence it has on Balearic society. According to the latest report, In 2023, more fabric units were distributed than ever before. and more patients received transplants. Bone tissue is the most difficult to process, but also the most in demand. In addition to bone in fractions or powder, in 2023. 23 shells received (skull bones) for autologous use. Autodonation of the skull involves the removal of a segment of the patient’s own skull bone for storage and reuse in future interventions. This is done during neurological operationssuch as tumor resection, and allows bone to be re-implanted if necessary, promoting bone regeneration and avoiding the risk of rejection.
Implanted pieces of tissue / Source: Balearic Islands Tissue Bank.
In the same year, the Department of Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine was opened. In collaboration with the Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), two researchers have been hired to develop different areas of work: platelet rich plasma (PRP), eye drops with autologous serum And corneal culture. Platelet-rich plasma is revolutionizing regenerative medicine by accelerating recovery from musculoskeletal injuries. Blood is drawn from the patient, platelets are concentrated and injected into the affected area to promote healing. On the other hand, autologous serum eye drops made from the patient’s blood are used to treat eye problems such as dry eye syndrome by promoting healing. In addition, corneal culture, in which corneal tissue is created in the laboratory from stem cells, offers an innovative alternative to transplants, helping to restore vision in patients with donor shortages.
Balearic Islands Tissue Bank It’s much more than just a place to store fabrics. This is the connection between human generosity and medical science.a space where every donation becomes a new opportunity. As science advances, tissue donation remains one of the most powerful ways to build a better future for everyone.
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