Artificial+Organs

 Christina Hayes  ENGL 1102  Prof. Grimm  7 November 2017 **// Literature Review //**  As a Nursing major, the scientific and health aspects of the world interest me as they hold high importance in our daily lives. These fields have always led me to fascinating discoveries and wanting to know more about the medical field and how our everyday lives can be improved. My chosen subject is on artificial organs and the ways they can save lives yet also create barriers. Artificial organs provide organ transplant options for patients with illnesses and act as a solution for avoiding death. As a controversial topic, experiments conducted by scientists are claimed to have a possible newfound answer to the many deaths of organ failure, yet it still strikes some individuals as unethical. ** Organ Failure **  With lives being lost every day due to organ failure, this issue is urgent for a solution to decrease the number of deaths and restore hope in patients that who patiently waiting for an organ. While we do currently have solutions, they are not efficient enough. With the creation of artificial organs, scientists will be able to provide organs adequately to save many individuals lives. With over 100,000 people waiting to receive their transplant (Lars, 2015). Smith agrees that creating artificial organs seems to be a logical solution and will expedite the organ donor process (Smith 2015). Amongst sources, this shared benefit serves as a significant factor and a possible positive effect of artificial organs. ** Ethical Decisions **  While artificial organs can show ways that they are a great solution, they also bring about issues for those who focus more on the ethical aspect of it. Moral and ethical guidelines are becoming more inadequate to govern our behavior (Scribner 1964). Smith agrees that the rules to the game of life will become even more complicated (Smith 2015). Without the proper limitations to access of artificial organs some people may abuse this and repeatedly attempt to repair themselves, allowing them to expand their life expectancy until they are no longer able to. People may be more inclined to seek ways to defy death or prolong the process. ** Academic Prose **  Like all four authors, I agree that the creation and sale of artificial organs could genuinely benefit patients in need. When organ failure starts, time is its most prominent factor due to the lack of knowledge of when that organ will completely stop functioning. This option seems to be more logical to agree on, as opposed to being jotted down on a waiting list of 100,000 or more. However, just like most solutions, cons must be considered and decided on to see what would have to be sacrificed or endured. There should be limits to how many organs a person can receive, and a restriction for citizens who are not medically in need of an artificial organ. With the proper use of these devices, I believe artificial organs could be the resolution to this worldwide phenomenon. Previous studies have discussed the ways it could help and what means it may become complicated. However, I believe that because there is not just one specific type of artificial organ, all of them studied on an individual level, will lead to better conclusions. Further conducted research shall inform us on the different ways the different kinds of artificial organs function and which of them seem to have fewer faults.  Christina Hayes  ENGL 1102  Prof. Grimm  7 November 2017 **//__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> Artificial Organs __//** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> While there are many aspects of artificial organs, many of them give intricate detail of the significant risks and differences of the types of artificial organs. These organs fall into several categories: Mechanical, Biohybrid, and Stem cell created. While these devices may be risky, understanding the knowledge and functions behind them could save lives and help patients battling with organ failure and other difficulties, make a decision that works best for them. Artificial organs provide our citizens with options when receiving such surgeries. With proper research, identifying the structure of each organ and testing them will give us a clear understanding of the way in which they function to allow different types of recovery. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> With individuals daily dealing with illnesses and diseases, it can put quite the strain on an individual’s organs. These stressors can lead to organ failure, developed syndromes, and defects within the body, leading to the increasing demand for organ transplantations. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> In the U.S. alone, the annual need for organ replacement therapies increases by about 10 percent each year” (“Medical Devices and Artificial Organs” 2017). This growth calls for the urgency of organ donors to donate. However, problems arise with this. Some donors undergo surgeries only to have their organ face rejection within the receiver, some individuals need heart transplants, but one cannot merely give up a heart that’s in use. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;">As these issues arise, another solution must be conjured to reduce the number of deaths from organ failures and other illnesses. Whether it be temporary, artificial organs could aid this problem and even help us advance in this science and medical fields. Though these organs may perform as a resolution, like most, there are complications and consequences. Evidence and experiments performed on artificial organs provide insight on how useful these devices may be for us in the future. **__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> Research on Organ Types __** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> **__Mechanical Organs__**: Unlike stem cell organs, these organs do not use living cells or tissues when integrated into the body. With the use of metals and valves, they connect to parts inside of the body and usually replace the entire organ or help to keep the organ paced. Like pacemakers, most fully mechanical organs require an accessory to be carried around continuously to keep the device running. These organs have a higher chance of rejection in patients, need more tending to, and function as a transitory filler until formal transplantation processes. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> **__Biohybrid Organs:__** These organs are both include mechanical factors and cells. This is a better option than mechanical organs because they include living cells that can adjust well to the individual’s body. This combination reduces the chances of the body rejecting it. They include sensors to detect any chances in the device and individual. However, when combining the different factors, it is more likely to cause complications for the patient due to the overall structure of the organ. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> **__Stem Cell Organs:__** With this specific method scientists have used, it is now an even lower chance of the body rejecting the organ. This organ is made purely from tissues and cells directly from the patient or another source. The cells used can be turned into any cell in the human body, allowing scientist to grow just about any organ desired. However, this strategy has failed to achieve perfection; they must meet getting these organs to the average weight and size of a human organ. It is a work in progress and is close to being completed and ready for use in humans. **__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> Evidence __** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> With detailed tests and procedures, scientists have now gained a better understanding of what needs be accomplished in artificial organs to make them work more efficiently. Many everyday bodily functions, are altered from day to day stresses or just merely decline in quality and functionality as we grow older. In the last two decades, scientists have performed experiments to attempt to restore people’s damaged organs. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;">Several patients already have benefitted from lab-grown bladders and tracheas (Lars 2015), with this successfully done; it encourages scientists to take a step forward and begin attempting to grow far more complex organs. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> On numerous occasions, scientists have attempted to perfect the artificial heart, however, have not been entirely satisfied. For example, in America, a machine called the ‘TAT’ has been used as a heart replacement, but the patient who received it was only able to go four years before the heart began malfunctioning. (Hinganu et al. 2016) Thus leading to a necessary transplantation procedure. In other cases, such as a thirty-two-year-old woman who suffered from right-sided heart failure. Difficulties arose, and she didn't live more than 30 days (Bruckner et al. 2016). This shows the risk, that doctors and patients take when performing such surgeries. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;">These experiments show flaws in the methods used and explain how these organs with synthetic and mechanical materials may not be the best option for patients. They require constant maintenance and alterations according to the patient's fluctuating conditions. Unlike these operations, back in 2011, a 36-year-old tracheal patient received a successful transplant. The reason for the success? The patient's stem cells. The patient didn't have to deal with the worry of rejection. What makes this procedure different, is that it's the first time that a wholly tissue-engineered synthetic windpipe has been made and successfully transplanted (TCE: The Chemical Engineer, 2011). Perhaps, this is the best option for patients receiving organs. This path lowers complications and speeds up needed transplantations. **__<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;">Risks __** <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;">Whether grown from cells or using synthetic materials, there will always be risks taken when a doctor approves and a patient consents to these sorts of procedures. Due to transplants requiring incisions on the skin, these are a risk of catching infections in the open wound. They can become terrible and possibly hinder the process. Hemorrhaging as well, controlling the amount of blood lost in such procedures can be difficult, but if not done meticulously, it can lead to the patient bleeding out. Like our devices we use in our everyday lives, these "devices" can malfunction as well ("National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute," 2016), causing immediate stress on the patient. Overall, the entire motive is to avoid death and fix the underlying issues within the body. **__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> Ethics __** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> Due to the use of artificial organs being such a controversial topic, many individuals see problems with them and with curiosity, fear, and interest it leads to a plethora of unimaginable questions. With inquisitiveness, people will wonder exactly how the device functions and what it does. However, along comes fear with all the possible scenarios that could happen when dealing with such risky situations. How will it affect them and what if something goes wrong? These questions honestly cannot be answered by any officials, as the actual outcomes will happen when the time comes. Therefore, this will fuel the ongoing debate of whether selling and distributing artificial organs is right or wrong for the public. Changes will be implemented but will it for the better or the worse? **__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> Conclusion __** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> Regardless of your major or specific field of study, I challenge readers to research more about artificial organs and track their progress. Whether you read articles or academic journal, obtaining more knowledge on the subject can influence you to bring forth this information to others. Possibly leading to an expedite in the progress of artificial organs from reaching out to others for new solutions. Informing others could encourage others to express their view of them and even educate and prepare you for what is to come in a few more years.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> Works Cited <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> "Lab-Grown Organ Transplant a Success." //TCE: The Chemical Engineer//. Aug. 2011: 17. EBSCO//host//. Web. 10 Nov 2017 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> “Medical Devices and Artificial Organs.” //Regenerative Medicine at the McGowan Institute//, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Web. 10 Nov 2017 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> “What Are the Risks of a Total Artificial Heart?” //National Heart Lung and Blood Institute//.1 Feb. 2016. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Web. 9 Nov 2017 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> Bruckner, Brian A., et al. "Total Artificial Heart Implantation After Excision of Right Ventricular Angiosarcoma." //Texas Heart Institute Journal//, 43.3, June 2016: 252-254. EBSCO//host//. Web. 7 Nov 2017 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;"> Hînganu, M. V., et al. "Bio Artificial Organs: Brief Chronology and Latest Updates. Case Study: Human Heart." //Romanian Journal of Functional & Clinical, Macro- & Microscopical Anatomy & of Anthropology,// 15.1, Jan. 2016: 58-62. EBSCO//host.// Web. 7 Nov 2017 Noah, Lars. "Growing Organs in the Lab: Tissue Engineers Confront Institutional "Immune" Responses." Jurimetrics: The Journal of Law, Science & Technology, 55.3, Spring 2015: 297-338. EBSCOhost. Web. 9 Oct 2017 Scribner, Belding H. “Ethical Problems of Using Artificial Organs to Sustain Human Life.” //Scribner Presidential Address,// 10.1, April 1964: 209-212. Google Scholar. Web. 20 Oct 2017 Smith, Katherine A. "Transplanting" Organ Donors with Printers: The Legal and Ethical Implications of Manufacturing Organs." //Akron Law Review//, 49.3, Nov. 2015: 739-769. EBSCOhost. Web. 9 Oct 2017