A Heart on Demand?

Groundbreaking advancements in transplantation medicine are emerging amidst a global shortage of donor organs.

With over 8,400 patients in Germany alone awaiting life-saving transplants, the film delves into innovative solutions that could redefine organ donation. At Berlin's Charité hospital, Dr. Eriselda Keshi pioneers Tissue Engineering, transforming animal organs into human-compatible replacements. In Japan, Dr. Minoru Takasato develops organoids – miniature lab-grown organs from stem cells, offering hope for scalable solutions. Meanwhile, Swedish scientists test artificial hearts designed to mimic the human organ’s natural functions. Blending cutting-edge research with moving patient stories, the film highlights both the promise of technology and the persistent societal and ethical challenges. From lab-engineered pancreases to four-chambered mechanical hearts, "A Heart on Demand?" showcases the future of personalized medicine and asks: How far are we from a world where no patient dies waiting for an organ?