The development of transplantology: historical aspects and ethical and legal issues

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Abstract

This article examines the history of transplantology and the key ethical issues arising during its development. Spanning the period from the experiments of Alexis Carrel and Vladimir Demikhov to the first successful kidney and heart transplants, the authors describe the main stages in the development of this field of medicine and highlight the most significant events and scientific breakthroughs. An analysis of current achievements and challenges facing transplant specialists is provided. Particular attention is paid to the ethical aspects of transplantology, including legal issues and the moral responsibility of physicians to patients and society. This article examines in detail current debates surrounding bioethical issues related to the development of this field of medicine, including determining the moment of death, conflicts of interest among medical teams, and the right to dispose of the deceased's body. It emphasizes the need to uphold the principles of justice, respect for human dignity, and the patient's freedom of choice. The authors conclude that a balanced approach to the development of transplantation is essential, taking into account both scientific and technological progress and humanistic values. This article will be of interest to a wide range of readers, including medical students, practicing physicians, and bioethics researchers.

About the authors

Vladimir A. Udodov

Volgograd State Medical University

Email: vladimir112440@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0003-8891-8958

Postgraduate Student of the Department of History and Cultural Studies at the Grigorenko Institute of Public Health

Russian Federation, Volgograd

Lyubov I. Belova

Volgograd State Medical University

Author for correspondence.
Email: lyubov.belova@volgmed.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6207-4177

Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of History and Cultural Studies at the Grigorenko Institute of Public Health

Russian Federation, Volgograd

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