Approach to management of the heartbeating 'brain dead' organ donor
J. M. Darby, K. Stein, A. Grenvik and S. A. Stuart
Department of Anesthesiology/Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, PA.
In recent years, transplantation has assumed an important role in the
treatment of patients with end-stage diseases of most major organ systems.
However, the greatest limitation in organ transplantation today is organ
supply. Among factors that can affect the organ supply favorably, donor
management has received the least attention. This review addresses
management of the multi-organ donor within the intensive care unit. With an
increased awareness of donor management issues and the application of a
rational physiological approach, the supply of functional organs for
transplantation can be increased.
