Organ Donation

Brain injuries are devastating events for patients and their families. The sudden and unexpected death of a loved one is difficult to understand. Individuals who suffer irreversible brain damage may become candidates for organ donation upon their death. Organ donation is sometimes the only positive outcome for family member when they know their loved one is saving the lives of others. The process of donation involves very specific testing to determine brain death. Before declaring brain death, the physician will perform a series of tests to determine brain function, the patient's ability to breathe without assistance, pupil response to light, stimulus response and blood flow to the brain. Brain death means there is irreversible loss of all brain functions.

If brain death is declared, it means the person is dead. There is no hope for recovery because blood is not flowing to the brain, thus no oxygen is carried to the brain to allow it to function. The mechanical ventilator can only keep the heart beating, and other organs and tissues preserved for a short time until family decisions can be made. Circulation of the blood, a heartbeat and respiration supported by mechanical means is not an indication of life. Two options are available for the family, removal of the ventilator and letting the heart stop, or organ/tissue donation. The heart, lungs, kidneys, liver or other solid organs provide life to those awaiting a transplant. Tissue donation may also be an option in these circumstances.

Many find hope in knowing that others might live through giving the "Gift of Life". Up to 50 lives can be saved or enhanced if a family agrees to donate their loved one's organs, corneas and tissues. Donation does not prevent a family from having a traditional open casket viewing funeral. No major religions oppose donation and many view it as an act of sacrifice and great love. Family members bear no expenses for the donation, but are responsible for hospital and medical bills prior to the determination of brain death. The evaluation and retrieval of the organs and tissues are the responsibility of the procurement agency.

If you have further questions, please contact your nurse, physician or the Midwest Transplant Network at 1-800-366-6791 or download our Hospital Services Brochure for more information.