Open AccessThe brain-dead donor: An anaesthesiologist's perspective
Author(s) -
Vijay L Shetty,
Shivaji Mali,
Sangeeta V Shetty,
Prajakta D Shinde
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
indian journal of anaesthesia/indian journal of anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.645
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 0976-2817
pISSN - 0019-5049
DOI - 10.4103/ija.ija_722_17
Subject(s) - brain dead , medicine , organ donation , donation , perspective (graphical) , quality (philosophy) , surgery , transplantation , law , artificial intelligence , political science , computer science , philosophy , epistemology
The brain-dead organ donation programme is slowly gathering momentum in India. There is a long way to go before our cadaver donor numbers, currently at 0.35 per million reaches 35 per million as is the case in countries like Spain. Each donor, therefore, has to be managed immaculately. The anaesthesiologists will be well served by familiarising themselves with the challenges during the crucial period preceding and during the actual harvest of organs in a brain-dead donor. There are significant opportunities for anaesthesiologists to make great contributions in this cause due to their unique skill sets and perspective. A robust brain-dead cadaver programme will go a long way in saving numerous lives as well as reduce the requirements of the living donor programme. A well-managed harvest will ensure good quality organs and an overall superior outcome in the recipients.