Abstract
The lack of suitable organs is a global problem for transplant medicine. Donors with brain death represent the most common group of organ donors in developed countries and the Czech Republic.
After brain death, organ dysfunction often develops, which can lead to organ damage and affect its viability for successful transplantation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an effective option of circulatory and lung support in the event of failure of normal procedures.
The case report describes the clinical course of a 36-year-old donor with proven brain death who was connected to venous ECMO to bridge severe hypoxemia as a bridging technique for organ donation. The article discusses professional, legal and ethical issues with the definition of possibilities and conditions under which this procedure can be used.