Claire notes that the most suitable organs come from family members.

Even if suitable organs became available, the doctors might forgo a new transplant if she had already suffered severe brain damage.

"A suitable organ must become available for which Mr. Summerall would be the appropriate candidate," he said.

It has been estimated that the number of organs donated would double if every person with suitable organs decided to donate.

As a result, demand for hearts has outstripped supply, forcing many patients into a deadly waiting game while transplant teams search for a suitable organ.

Every year, some fifty thousand people die waiting for a suitable organ.

Chechens are being seized from their homes, and when all organs suitable for transplantation have been removed from their bodies, they are dumped.

In most countries there is a shortage of suitable organs for transplantation.

Experts estimate that from 40 and 70 percent of children under two years old who are on transplant waiting lists die before suitable organs can be found.

Many will die before a suitable organ becomes available.