Even now, when kidney transplantation has become routine, about 15% of transplant patients lose their new kidneys this way within a year of the operation.

ECONOMIST: Sound reasons to prevent kidney rejection

Dr. Joseph Melancon, head of the kidney-pancreas transplantation unit at Georgetown University Hospital, oversaw the project.

CNN: Massive transplant effort pairs 13 kidneys to 13 patients

But now through these so-called paired kidney donation programs, offered by hospitals that specialize in transplantation, people who otherwise would remain ill or on dialysis are getting a new lease on life.

CNN: Massive transplant effort pairs 13 kidneys to 13 patients