Article

Vascular vessels transport blood throughout the body to nourish it

The vascular system is a network of hollow, elastic tubes that are distributed throughout the body and are responsible for transporting blood from the heart to the tissues and organs and returning blood to the heart.

Damage to blood vessels can hinder this process and can lead to many dangerous diseases. People who are indicated for vascular grafts need to be grafted promptly to avoid dangerous complications.

Your decision to donate blood vessels can change someone’s life completely.

Why do some people need vascular grafts?

Vascular grafting is an effective treatment for many cases of damaged blood vessels. Here are some groups of patients who are often indicated for vascular grafting:

• Patients with atherosclerosis: When atherosclerosis progresses severely, plaque buildup inside the arteries can narrow or completely block blood vessels, obstructing blood flow.
• Patients with vascular trauma: Trauma from accidents, severe impacts, or open wounds can damage or destroy blood vessels.
• Patients with aortic dissection: Aortic dissection is a condition in which the inner lining of the aorta tears, allowing blood to flow into the space between the layers of the vessel wall. This is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires prompt treatment with vascular grafting.
• Patients with aneurysms: An aneurysm is a condition in which the wall of a blood vessel weakens and bulges out, forming a balloon-like sac. Aneurysms can rupture and cause dangerous bleeding, so they need to be treated with vascular grafting.
• Patients with heart valve disease: Some heart valve diseases can cause blood to flow backward, damaging the blood vessel wall.
• Cancer patients: Cancer can invade blood vessels and cause blockages.

Why donate blood vessels?

Currently, the supply of donated blood vessels is still limited compared to the needs of patients. According to statistics from the Vietnam National Organ Coordination Center, in 2023, only about 54% of the need for donated blood vessels for treatment was met.

Patients who do not receive vascular grafts in time can experience severe pain, ischemia, and blood clot formation. In many cases, if the damage is not treated promptly, limbs may need to be amputated or even death may occur.

Most people can donate blood vessels

Anyone can register their decision to become a vascular donor after death, with no age limit. In addition, there are very few health conditions that completely preclude tissue donation.

If you would like to donate blood vessels or other body parts, please register here:

[Organ and Tissue Donation Registration]

Additional information:

• The donation process is typically done at the time of organ donation, after death.
• Blood vessels are usually taken from the legs or arms, but they can also be taken from other parts of the body.
• The donated blood vessels are processed and stored in a tissue bank until they are needed for a transplant.
• Vascular grafts can help relieve pain, improve circulation, and delay or prevent the need for limb amputation.

By donating blood vessels, you can make a real difference in someone’s life. Please consider registering to become a donor today.