Brain Death as a Prerequisite for Organ Donation

Determining brain death by neurological criteria plays a pivotal role in medical and organ donation practices. On the basis of certain scientific criteria, a procedure was developed that can assure the irreversible function failure of the brain and, hence, decide whether a patient is dead. This procedure eventually allows organs to be harvested without breaking the dead donor rule. A validated determination of the time of death is a prerequisite for the post-mortal tissue donation − the main source for organ transplantation in Germany. In this panel discussion, the latest questions with regard to brain death will be discussed within an international perspective to lay the groundwork for a general consensus of opinion on brain death. | Center for Advanced Studies: 24.06.2013 | Speakers: James L. Bernat, Ralf J. Jox, Eric Racine, Sam Shemie | Moderation: Markus Guba