Surgeons transplanted a heart removed from a donor which was kept beating for five hours while it was transported to the waiting recipient. This pioneering surgery was carried out at Papworth Hospital and is the first time the technique, which involved connecting the heart to a machine the size of a tea trolley, has been tried in the UK.

Surgeons hope it will extend the lifesaving operation to scores more patients by making more heart and lungs available for transplant. The Organ Care System keeps the heart beating until it is ready to be transplanted. Organs quickly deteriorate after being taken from the body and hospitals operate on a limited time (approx four hours) when using a non-beating donor heart.

By extending the period during which the heart can be used, the Organ Care System will increase the number of organs available for transplant and the number of potential recipients could be broadened. We are continuing to fundraise for this important care system.