|
|
ORGAN DONATION
Organ donation may occur in brain death situations, allowing a person to donate
kidneys, lungs, heart, liver, pancreas and small bowel. An individual must be
maintained on a respirator, so that the organs remain viable for transplantation.
WHO CAN DONATE?
Those who are declared brain dead are eligible to donate organs. Medical suitability
is determined in each individual case, so no one should rule themselves out.
Out of all deaths that occur in the U. S. annually, approximately 1% progress to brain death.
THE NEED
Currently, there are over 110,000 individuals in the United States awaiting a life-saving
organ transplant. A new name is added to the list every 14 minutes.
An average of 18 people die each day, due to the lack of a donated organ.
ORGANS THAT CAN BE DONATED
Heart
Kidneys
Liver
Lungs
Pancreas
Small Bowel
WHAT IS BRAIN DEATH?
The total irreversible cessation of ALL brain activity, including cerebellum, cerebrum
and the brain stem;
An established medical and legal diagnosis of death, defined by “Harvard criteria;
Brain Death IS Death.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN BRAIN DEATH OCCURS?
A patient is treated for a severe injury to the brain
Despite all medical efforts, the patient’s brain swells and cuts off its own oxygen supply.
Without blood and oxygen flow, all brain tissue dies within a few minutes.
Tests and examinations to confirm brain death are performed:
The patient shows a total lack of specific responses and reflexes when a clinical exam
is performed;
Testing confirms that brain death has occurred (an EEG shows no electrical activity
in the brain) or a cerebral blood flow scan shows a total absence of blood
flow to the brain.
Artificial support systems may maintain functions such as heartbeat and respiration
for a few days – not permanently.
The patient’s family is informed of their loved one’s death and the option of organ and
tissue donation is offered.
|
|