Current perspectives in donor management

Abstract

The management of the brain-dead donor prior to thoracic organ procurement is not a standardised procedure. To maximise the number of organs used without compromising recipient outcomes may be difficult. This review presents the approach taken at our institution, emphasising the role of close haemodynamic monitoring. New findings in the fields of brain death pathophysiology and the results of transplanting marginal organs are likely to bring about changes in existing practice. © Steinkopff Verlag 2002.