A brain-death protocol
Searle, J.; Collins, C.
Lancet 1(8169): 641-643
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-6736 PMID: 6102639 Document Number: 158671
A protocol for the management of patients thought to have suffered brain death includes a list of questions to aid the diagnosis of brain death and guidelines for dealing with relatives competently and compassionately. If the relatives give permission for the removal of organs for transplantation, the protocol enables the procedure to be carried out quickly. In the 2 yr from July, 1977, 22 patients in 1 intensive-therapy unit suffered brain death, kidneys were donated from 11 of these patients, and eyes from 4. The management of brain death and the provision of organs for transplantation are best dealt with by 1 department in a hospital.