In medical science, research and education using donated bodies is indispensable. No technology can replace the human body as a research subject. It is thanks to people who donated to their bodies that medical science has reached the current state of development. When you donate your body, you are providing a valuable service to humanity. Your gift shows extraordinary generosity and commitment.

Thanks to your donation, future generations can count on even better medical care and a better life. You also support the training of doctors who will later treat your children and grandchildren.  

Your body donation contributes to better care in three ways.

1. Development of new medical devices and implants

2. Development of new medical procedures

3. Education and training of doctors in the application of new or special interventions

Thanks to body donations, great progress has been made in countless fields in medical-scientific research in recent years. For example in research into and treatment of diabetes, Alzheimer's, peripheral artery disease (PAD), multiple sclerosis, ALS, osteoarthritis and arthritis.

There are many examples of spectacular new procedures and 'medical marvels' that could only be developed and practiced thanks to body donations. Some striking examples can be found below.

Development of Cochlear Implants

Many hearing-impaired people can now hear due to a cochlear implant (CI). Such an implant bypasses the ear and transmits sound directly to the auditory nerve. The first CIs were developed in the 1970s. For a long time the devices were bulky and the operations risky. In recent years rapid developments have taken place, which ensure that the intervention is simplified and the quality of the perceived sound improves. Continued device improvements and training in the insertion of the implants require anatomical specimens from donated bodies.

Replacement of Heart Valve via the Femoral Artery

Replacing a heart valve is normally an invasive procedure. The patient's chest must be opened and the heart stopped. Not everyone can handle such an operation. To save the lives of vulnerable patients, a procedure was developed whereby a new valve is inserted via the leg artery and is eventually installed in the right place. Before the procedure was performed on patients, it was first tested and trained on donor bodies.