xenotransplantation

the surgical transfer of cells, tissues or whole organs from one species to another

as the serious shortage of donor organs continues to be a global problem, xenotransplantation will be an important topic in 21st century medicine

This term has begun to enter dictionaries in the last three or four years as the possibility of using animal organs and tissues as a surgical solution to human health problems is hotly explored and debated. Pig heart valves have been considered as replacement valves for faulty human hearts, but there are serious counter-issues, such as the release of unknown viruses into the human population. Although humans and other animals share many bacteria and viruses, the impact of them may not be the same in different species, with the possibility of serious consequences if animal donors are used. However, as the serious shortage of donor organs continues to be a global problem, xenotransplantation will be an important topic in 21st century medicine.

Background – xenotransplantation

The term derives from the Greek xeno meaning 'foreign', (and used in words like xenophobia, the irrational fear or dislike of people from other countries).

The term xenotransplant is an alternative form, or as a countable noun can also refer to the surgical procedure in which xenotransplantation occurs. Similarly, a xenograft is a tissue or organ transfer between a donor and recipient of differing species.