When a person is determined to be brain dead, and organ donation approved, it is my understanding that ventilation and other methods continue to be used to keep the blood flowing through the organs. What would be the effect on the organs if life support were first withdrawn to allow the person to die in every sense of the word? How much would be lost if organs were then harvested?
I ask because I think I'd be more comfortable allowing donation after a loved one's heart had stopped beating. Strange, because I had a son die at 15 for lack of enough hearts. Still, I want to know.
2006-06-30 19:42:07 · 7 answers · asked by LazlaHollyfeld 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Lack of oxygen rapidly produces death of cells and makes organ unsuitable for transplant.
2006-06-30 22:11:51 · answer #1 · answered by ringocox 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
When a person is declared dead but viable for organ donation, they are kept on life support, meaning that everything (other than the brain) continues to function through nature and the aid of medicine + technology. Once the heart is stopped, we then have at the most 5 minutes to retrieve most major organs for donation. Without the heart pumping blood, and therefore oxygen, to the organs, they simply dies.
2006-07-01 02:49:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cells in the organs begin to die immediately after blood flow stops and they no longer receive oxygen. Dead organs are good to no one. Brain dead is dead enough, life support can go on for a long time, too long in some occasions.
2006-07-01 02:48:12 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The blood needs to still be flowing thru the body to keep the organs in good working order. The patient does not feel any pain when the organ is harvested. they are on massive amounts of pain meds. and they are brain dead, so no pain is felt.. In the case of the heart, it would need to have blood flowing thru it so there would be no damage to it, and it would be a healthy heart for the person, I am so sorry for you lose of you son.. Blessings to you..
2006-07-01 02:53:53 · answer #4 · answered by nannyj37 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The tissue of the organs will "die" as well once the blood stops pumping to it. The longer the organ has no blood supply, the more cells die, rendering it incapable of use to help another person.
2006-07-01 02:46:26 · answer #5 · answered by Andi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is that it allows the blood to flow through the organs to keep them viable. Ask a doctor though.
2006-07-01 05:29:53 · answer #6 · answered by hawaii gurl 06 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i like your avatar
2006-07-01 03:37:58 · answer #7 · answered by seventhundersuttered 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋