Hirntod – Organspende

Abstract

According to the German Transplantation Law, determining brain death follows a distinct brain death code published by the scientific committee of the German Medical Association. There must be severe structural damage to the brain parenchyma with deep coma, loss of all brainstem reflexes and apnoea. Reversible conditions that might influence clinical findings must be excluded. According to the age of the patient and the kind of brain damage, either neurological follow-up investigations after defined intervals or additional tests serve to prove the irreversibility of clinical findings. Determination of brain death means determining a definite sign of death. This is the prerequisite for postmortal organ donation. The German Foundation for the Transplantation of Organs (DSO) organises organ donation in Germany in accordance with transplantation law. It makes preliminary checks on donor eligibility of potential donations, provides consultative assistance in the determination of brain death and offers support in talks with relatives. The DSO also coordinates organ removal and allocation via Eurotransplant.