Organ transplants: is there an age maximum?

[Ilsa]

Considering how many people die waiting for major organs, is there an age limit for being allowed on the transplant list?

Cheney will turn 70 at the end of the month. Seems to me he's had his shot at having a good life. At 70, I'd personally reject that kind of surgery, particularly because of the number of younger people be waiting for an organ like a heart or liver.

[Drale]

1. It doesn't matter

if Cheney wants a heart he'll just kill one of his slaves or an illegal to get it. He doesn't suffer from the same humanity that we all do.

[rox63]

2. This is Cheney we're talking about

Why do you think he'd consider the needs of others before his own?

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. Here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x224589

[Ilsa]

5. I saw that thread.

Got me wondering about age limits. Didn't find one in that thread.

I thought there were age limits unless someone designates their heart to go to someone in particular.

[bbinacan]

4. No and if so, who decides.

My Dad died of a heart attack at 68. A new heart would have given him another 15 plus years.

[spanone]

6. he's already a cyborg...if his batteries quit he's gone

i'd put him on the 10-year waiting list...at least

[Gold Metal Flake]

7. There is a money minimum.

He is not affected.

[Warpy]

8. They look at patient condition more than age

A 70 year old in excellent health except for cardiomyopathy might be chosen over a 50 year old with COPD, degenerative joint disease, and alcoholic liver disease.

Wasting an organ on someone who will die on the table or soon after does no good.

Cheney's overall condition is not good. A lifetime of heavy smoking has clogged his arteries and rotted his lungs. Even though his organs are now being perfused by the pump and are healing, nothing can overcome the damage done by smoking.

My guess is the pump is it for him. No one has had the guts to tell him yet.

[surrealAmerican]

17. I was wondering that too.

There's no point in doing a transplant unless your quite sure the patient will survive the operation. He may be too sick to even consider.

[spanone]

9. yes, whatever age cheney is, that's the max

[jody]

10. Is that a question re Death Panels? nt

[sabbat hunter]

11. as far as I know

there is no set age limit, but instead critera like general health, how long it will prolong life, expected quality of life, if the patient will survive the surgery, etc are used.

[Bonhomme Richard]

12. I believe 70. see below.

The new recommendations allow some people with slow-growing or treated cancers to qualify, and they raise the qualifying age cap from 65 to 70.
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Press_releases/2006/09_15a_06.html

[jwirr]

13. What about Donors is there a point that they are no longer considered? nt

[CaliforniaPeggy]

14. According to WCGreen, 60 is the maximum age for lung transplants.

But maybe that's just at the Cleveland Clinic...

:shrug:

[Mz Pip]

15. If Cheney can afford it

I'm sure he'll find a doctor willing to do it. People who have the money will be able get whatever kind of health procedure they want no matter what the guidelines may be.

I thought I read that this was "elective" which means it's his choice. I would assume that the cost of this will mostly come out of his own pocket. It's not like he can't afford it.

Question for me is whether or not he'll go to the front of the line.

[HopeHoops]

16. No, just a wealth minimum.