Brain Death vs Cardiac Death

[Guest guest]

Harvest of organs from a person who has died because of Cardiac Death has just

been accepted in the past few years by some centers. The organs are sometimes

not as viable because of the loss of blood flow/oxygen to the organs when the

heart stops beating.

The test that are done to determine Brain death are very extensive. Often people

who are declared brain dead have been on several " body support " systems. That

has kept the body breathing, the blood pressure in a range that keeps the

kidneys working etc.

As a nurse I have set through the training for this situation and I can tell you

that figuring out if the pt is brain dead is done carefully, thoughtfully and

often takes days or longer. If any sign of viability is found than the pt is

continued on support. They don't just " pull the plug " so to say.

It is up to each person to prayfully come to peace with themself and God about

death, transplant, etc. After all in the end peace with ourself and peace with

God is what life is all about.

Just some rambling thoughts.

PSC 5/07 Listed