Identification of potential organ donors after irreversible cardiac death (DCD) in the intensive care unit
2012
Abstract
Objective: To identify potential organ donors after cardiac death (DCD) in the intensive care unit. Materials and methods: Out of 1513 patients admitted between 2010 and 2011, we retrospectively tested the ability of the subgroup of nonsurvivors to become DCD organ donors.
Results: 23 patients were diagnosed as brain dead and became organ donors (DBD). Another 21 patients met the criteria for donors after cardiac death.
Conclusion: Implementation of the DCD programme would significantly increase the number of organ donors (by up to 50% in our institution).