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Trela KC, Salerno CT, Chuba E, Dhawan R. Donation After Circulatory Death Heart Transplantation: A Narrative Review. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2024; 38:2047-2058. [PMID: 38981770 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2024.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Heart transplantation is the definitive treatment for refractory, end-stage heart failure. The number of patients awaiting transplantation far exceeds available organs. In an effort to expand the donor pool, donation after circulatory death (DCD) heart transplantation has garnered renewed interest. Unlike donation after brain death, DCD donors do not meet the criteria for brain death and are dependent on life-sustaining therapies. Procurement can include a direct strategy or a normothermic regional perfusion, whereby there is restoration of perfusion to the organ before explantation. There are new developments in cold storage and ex vivo perfusion strategies. Since its inception, there has been a steady improvement in post-transplant outcomes, largely attributed to advancements in operative and procurement strategies. In this narrative review, the authors address the unique considerations of DCD heart transplantation, including withdrawal of care, the logistics of procuring and resuscitating organs, outcomes compared with standard donation after brain death, and ethical considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Constantine Trela
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
| | - Christopher T Salerno
- Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Emuejevoke Chuba
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Richa Dhawan
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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2
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Murphy NB, Slessarev M, Basmaji J, Blackstock L, Blaszak M, Brahmania M, Chandler JA, Dhanani S, Gaulton M, Gross JA, Healey A, Lingard L, Ott M, Shemie SD, Weijer C. Ethical Issues in Normothermic Regional Perfusion in Controlled Organ Donation After Determination of Death by Circulatory Criteria: A Scoping Review. Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00854. [PMID: 39192464 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) is a surgical technique that can improve the quality and number of organs recovered for donation after the determination of death by circulatory criteria. Despite its promise, adoption of NRP has been hindered because of unresolved ethical issues. To inform stakeholders, this scoping review provides an impartial overview of the major ethical controversies surrounding NRP. We undertook this review according to a modified 5-step methodology proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. Publications were retrieved through MEDLINE and Embase. Gray literature was sourced from Canadian organ donation organizations, English-language organ donation organization websites, and through our research networks. Three reviewers independently screened all documents for inclusion, extracted data, and participated in content analysis. Disagreements were resolved through consensus meetings. Seventy-one documents substantively engaging with ethical issues in NRP were included for full-text analysis. We identified 6 major themes encompassing a range of overlapping ethical debates: (1) the compatibility of NRP with the dead donor rule, the injunction that organ recovery cannot cause death, (2) the risk of donor harm posed by NRP, (3) uncertainties regarding consent requirements for NRP, (4) risks to stakeholder trust posed by NRP, (5) the implications of NRP for justice, and (6) NRP's potential to benefits of NRP for stakeholders. We found no agreement on the ethical permissibility of NRP. However, some debates may be resolved through additional empirical study. As decision-makers contemplate the adoption of NRP, it is critical to address the ethical issues facing the technique to ensure stakeholder trust in deceased donation and transplantation systems is preserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas B Murphy
- Department of Medicine and Philosophy, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Marat Slessarev
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - John Basmaji
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Laurie Blackstock
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Donor family partner, Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michael Blaszak
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Mayur Brahmania
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Sonny Dhanani
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Pediatric Intensive Care, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew Gaulton
- University of Western Ontario Faculty of Law, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jed A Gross
- Department of Clinical and Organizational Ethics, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew Healey
- Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Divisions of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lorelei Lingard
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Centre for Education Research and Innovation, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Mary Ott
- Centre for Education Research and Innovation, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Education, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sam D Shemie
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- System Development, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Charles Weijer
- Department of Medicine and Philosophy, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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3
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Hoffman JRH, Hartwig MG, Cain MT, Rove JY, Siddique A, Urban M, Mulligan MS, Bush EL, Balsara K, Demarest CT, Silvestry SC, Wilkey B, Trahanas JM, Pretorius VG, Shah AS, Moazami N, Pomfret EA, Catarino PA. Consensus Statement: Technical Standards for Thoracoabdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion. Transplantation 2024; 108:1669-1680. [PMID: 39012953 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP) has emerged as a powerful technique for optimizing organ procurement from donation after circulatory death donors. Despite its rapid adoption, standardized guidelines for TA-NRP implementation are lacking, prompting the need for consensus recommendations to ensure safe and effective utilization of this technique. METHODS A working group composed of members from The American Society of Transplant Surgeons, The International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and The American Association for Thoracic Surgery was convened to develop technical guidelines for TA-NRP. The group systematically reviewed existing literature, consensus statements, and expert opinions to identify key areas requiring standardization, including predonation evaluation, intraoperative management, postdonation procedures, and future research directions. RESULTS The working group formulated recommendations encompassing donor evaluation and selection criteria, premortem testing and therapeutic interventions, communication protocols, and procedural guidelines for TA-NRP implementation. These recommendations aim to facilitate coordination among transplant teams, minimize variability in practice, and promote transparency and accountability throughout the TA-NRP process. CONCLUSIONS The consensus guidelines presented herein serve as a comprehensive framework for the successful and ethical implementation of TA-NRP programs in organ procurement from donation after circulatory death donors. By providing standardized recommendations and addressing areas of uncertainty, these guidelines aim to enhance the quality, safety, and efficiency of TA-NRP procedures, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan R H Hoffman
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Matthew G Hartwig
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Michael T Cain
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Jessica Y Rove
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Aleem Siddique
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Marian Urban
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Michael S Mulligan
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Errol L Bush
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Keki Balsara
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
| | - Caitlin T Demarest
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | | | - Barbara Wilkey
- Department of Anesthesia, Section of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - John M Trahanas
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Victor G Pretorius
- Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA
| | - Ashish S Shah
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Nader Moazami
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Elizabeth A Pomfret
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Pedro A Catarino
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
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4
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Wall AE, Merani S, Batten J, Lonze B, Mekeel K, Nurok M, Prinz J, Gil J, Pomfret EA, Guarrera JV. American Society of Transplant Surgeons Normothermic Regional Perfusion Standards: Ethical, Legal, and Operational Conformance. Transplantation 2024; 108:1655-1659. [PMID: 39012935 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The American Society of Transplant Surgeons convened a multidisciplinary working group to address operational, ethical, and legal considerations surrounding normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) procurement. METHODS The working group, comprising members from American Society of Transplant Surgeons and AST across various disciplines including transplant surgery, hepatology, critical care, and bioethics, collaborated to formulate recommendations and guidance for NRP procurement. RESULTS The following topics were identified by the group as essential standards that need to be addressed for ethical, legal, and operational conformance: terminology; conceptualization of death in the context of NRP; and communication, logistics, and training and competency. CONCLUSIONS Fourteen recommendations that support the ethical and legal acceptability of NRP in the United States and set expectations for the conduct of NRP procedures are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anji E Wall
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Shaheed Merani
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE
| | - Jason Batten
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Bonnie Lonze
- Transplant Institute, New York University, New York, NY
| | - Kristin Mekeel
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, University of California San Diego, San Diego CA
| | - Michael Nurok
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Cardiac Surgery, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - John Gil
- Division of Nephrology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Elizabeth A Pomfret
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO
| | - James V Guarrera
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
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5
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Slessarev M, Bain KL, Basmaji J, Blydt-Hansen TD, Cooper J, D'Aragon F, Del Sorbo L, Evans A, Gordon AC, Klein G, Meade MO, Murphy N, Thomas HL, Weiss MJ, Weijer C, Harvey D. Developing Guidance for Donor Intervention Randomized Controlled Trials: Initial Discussions From the Canada-United Kingdom 2022 Workshop. Transplantation 2024; 108:1776-1781. [PMID: 38499505 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Donor interventions, including medications, protocols, and medical devices administered to donors, can enhance transplantable organ quality and quantity and maximize transplantation success. However, there is paucity of high-quality evidence about their effectiveness, in part because of ethical, practical, and regulatory challenges, and lack of guidance about conduct of donor intervention randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS With the vision to develop authoritative guidance for conduct of donor intervention RCTs, we convened a workshop of Canadian-United Kingdom experts in organ donation and transplantation ethics, research, and policy to identify stakeholders, explore unique challenges, and develop research agenda to inform future work in this promising field. RESULTS Donor intervention trials should consider perspectives of broad group of stakeholders including donors, transplant recipients, and their families; researchers in donation and transplantation; research ethics boards; and healthcare providers and administrators involved in donation and transplantation. Unique challenges include (1) research ethics (living versus deceased status of the donor at the time of intervention, intervention versus outcomes assessment in different individuals, harm-benefit analysis in donors versus recipients, consent, and impact on research bystanders); (2) outcome data standardization and linkage; and (3) regulatory and governance considerations. CONCLUSIONS Donor intervention RCTs hold potential to benefit organ transplantation outcomes but face unique research ethics, outcome data, and regulatory challenges. By developing research agenda to address these challenges, our workshop was an important first step toward developing Canada-United Kingdom guidance for donor intervention RCTs that are poised to improve the quality and availability of transplantable organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marat Slessarev
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- The Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katie L Bain
- The Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - John Basmaji
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Tom D Blydt-Hansen
- Department of Pediatrics (Nephrology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jessie Cooper
- Department of Health Services Research and Management, School of Health & Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Frédérick D'Aragon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Sherbrooke, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l'Estrie-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Lorenzo Del Sorbo
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amy Evans
- NHS Blood and Transplant, Clinical Trials Unit, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony C Gordon
- Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Imperial College London, London United Kingdom
| | - Gail Klein
- Centre for Clinical Trial Support, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maureen O Meade
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Nicholas Murphy
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- The Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Philosophy, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Helen L Thomas
- NHS Blood and Transplant, Clinical Trials Unit, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Weiss
- The Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Transplant Québec, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Centre Mère-Enfant Soleil du CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Charles Weijer
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Philosophy, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Dan Harvey
- NHS Blood and Transplant, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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6
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Royo-Villanova M, Miñambres E, Coll E, Domínguez-Gil B. Normothermic Regional Perfusion in Controlled Donation After the Circulatory Determination of Death: Understanding Where the Benefit Lies. Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00833. [PMID: 39049104 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Controlled donation after the circulatory determination of death (cDCDD) has emerged as a strategy to increase the availability of organs for clinical use. Traditionally, organs from cDCDD donors have been subject to standard rapid recovery (SRR) with poor posttransplant outcomes of abdominal organs, particularly the liver, and limited organ utilization. Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP), based on the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices, consists of the in situ perfusion of organs that will be subject to transplantation with oxygenated blood under normothermic conditions after the declaration of death and before organ recovery. NRP is a potential solution to address the limitations of traditional recovery methods. It has become normal practice in several European countries and has been recently introduced in the United States. The increased use of NRP in cDCDD has occurred as a result of a growing body of evidence on its association with improved posttransplant outcomes and organ utilization compared with SRR. However, the expansion of NRP is precluded by obstacles of an organizational, legal, and ethical nature. This article details the technique of both abdominal and thoracoabdominal NRP. Based on the available evidence, it describes its benefits in terms of posttransplant outcomes of abdominal and thoracic organs and organ utilization. It addresses cost-effectiveness aspects of NRP, as well as logistical and ethical obstacles that limit the implementation of this innovative preservation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Royo-Villanova
- Transplant Coordination Unit and Service of Intensive Care, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Eduardo Miñambres
- Transplant Coordination Unit and Service of Intensive Care, University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, School of Medicine, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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7
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Hoffman JRH, Hartwig MG, Cain MT, Rove JY, Siddique A, Urban M, Mulligan MS, Bush EL, Balsara K, Demarest CT, Silvestry SC, Wilkey B, Trahanas JM, Pretorius VG, Shah AS, Moazami N, Pomfret EA, Catarino PA. Consensus Statement: Technical Standards for Thoracoabdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion. Ann Thorac Surg 2024:S0003-4975(24)00567-8. [PMID: 39023462 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2024.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP) has emerged as a powerful technique for optimizing organ procurement from donation after circulatory death donors. Despite its rapid adoption, standardized guidelines for TA-NRP implementation are lacking, prompting the need for consensus recommendations to ensure safe and effective utilization of this technique. METHODS A working group composed of members from The American Society of Transplant Surgeons, The International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and The American Association for Thoracic Surgery was convened to develop technical guidelines for TA-NRP. The group systematically reviewed existing literature, consensus statements, and expert opinions to identify key areas requiring standardization, including predonation evaluation, intraoperative management, postdonation procedures, and future research directions. RESULTS The working group formulated recommendations encompassing donor evaluation and selection criteria, premortem testing and therapeutic interventions, communication protocols, and procedural guidelines for TA-NRP implementation. These recommendations aim to facilitate coordination among transplant teams, minimize variability in practice, and promote transparency and accountability throughout the TA-NRP process. CONCLUSIONS The consensus guidelines presented herein serve as a comprehensive framework for the successful and ethical implementation of TA-NRP programs in organ procurement from donation after circulatory death donors. By providing standardized recommendations and addressing areas of uncertainty, these guidelines aim to enhance the quality, safety, and efficiency of TA-NRP procedures, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan R H Hoffman
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Matthew G Hartwig
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael T Cain
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jessica Y Rove
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Aleem Siddique
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Marian Urban
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Michael S Mulligan
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Errol L Bush
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Keki Balsara
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
| | - Caitlin T Demarest
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Barbara Wilkey
- Department of Anesthesia, Section of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - John M Trahanas
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Victor G Pretorius
- Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Ashish S Shah
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Nader Moazami
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Elizabeth A Pomfret
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.
| | - Pedro A Catarino
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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8
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Truog RD, Doernberg SN. In Defense of Normothermic Regional Perfusion. Hastings Cent Rep 2024; 54:24-31. [PMID: 39116163 DOI: 10.1002/hast.4905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) is a relatively new approach to procuring organs for transplantation. After circulatory death is declared, perfusion is restored to either the thoracoabdominal organs (in TA-NRP) or abdominal organs alone (in A-NRP) using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Simultaneously, surgeons clamp the cerebral arteries, causing a fatal brain injury. Critics claim that clamping the arteries is the proximate cause of death in violation of the dead donor rule and that the procedure is therefore unethical. We disagree. This account does not consider the myriad other factors that contribute to the death of the donor, including the presence of a fatal medical condition, the decision to withdraw life support, and the physician's actions in withdrawing life support and administering medication that may hasten death. Instead, we claim that physicians play a causative role in many of the events that lead to a patient's death and that these actions are often ethically and legally justified. We advance an "all things considered" view according to which TA-NRP may be considered ethically acceptable insofar as it avoids suffering and respects the wishes of the patient to improve the lives of others through organ donation. We conclude with a series of critical questions related to the practice of NRP and call for the development of national consensus on this issue in the United States.
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9
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Fernandes EDSM, Corrêa RR, Furtado RLL, Brüggenwirth IMA, Yang C, de Mello FPT, de Oliveira Andrade R, Pimentel LMS, Girão CL, César C, Siqueira MAP, Braga EP, Carvalho ACG, Porte RJ, Bouskela E. Oxygenated versus non-oxygenated flush out during deceased donor liver procurement: The first proof-of-concept study in humans. Artif Organs 2024. [PMID: 38949484 DOI: 10.1111/aor.14815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation is used for treating end-stage liver disease, fulminant hepatitis, and oncological malignancies and organ shortage is a major limiting factor worldwide. The use of grafts based on extended donor criteria have become internationally accepted. Oxygenated machine perfusion technologies are the most recent advances in organ transplantation; however, it is only applied after a period of cold ischemia. Due to its high cost, we aimed to use a novel device, OxyFlush®, based on oxygenation of the preservation solution, applied during liver procurement targeting the maintenance of ATP during static cold storage (SCS). METHODS Twenty patients were randomly assigned to the OxyFlush or control group based on a 1:1 ratio. In the OxyFlush group, the perfusion solution was oxygenated with OxyFlush® device while the control group received a non-oxygenated solution. Liver and the common bile duct (CBD) biopsies were obtained at three different time points. The first was at the beginning of the procedure, the second during organ preparation, and the third after total liver reperfusion. Biopsies were analyzed, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and histological scores of the liver parenchyma and CBD were assessed. Postoperative laboratory tests were performed. RESULTS OxyFlush® was able to maintain ATP levels during SCS and improved the damage caused by the lack of oxygen in the CBD. However, OxyFlush® did not affect laboratory test results and histological findings of the parenchyma. CONCLUSION We present a novel low-cost device that is feasible and could represent a valuable tool in organ preservation during SCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo de Souza Martins Fernandes
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Research on Vascular Biology (Biovasc), Department of Physiological Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, DASA São Lucas Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Adventista Silvestre Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Liver Transplant, São Francisco de Assis Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raphael Rodrigues Corrêa
- Department of Surgery, DASA São Lucas Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Isabel M A Brüggenwirth
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cindy Yang
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Felipe Pedreira Tavares de Mello
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, DASA São Lucas Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Adventista Silvestre Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Liver Transplant, São Francisco de Assis Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo de Oliveira Andrade
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, DASA São Lucas Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Adventista Silvestre Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Liver Transplant, São Francisco de Assis Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leandro Moreira Savattone Pimentel
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, DASA São Lucas Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Adventista Silvestre Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Liver Transplant, São Francisco de Assis Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Camila Liberato Girão
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, DASA São Lucas Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Adventista Silvestre Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Liver Transplant, São Francisco de Assis Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Camilla César
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, DASA São Lucas Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Adventista Silvestre Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Liver Transplant, São Francisco de Assis Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Munique Ana Pimentel Siqueira
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, DASA São Lucas Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Adventista Silvestre Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Liver Transplant, São Francisco de Assis Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Robert J Porte
- Department of Surgery, Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Section Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eliete Bouskela
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Research on Vascular Biology (Biovasc), Department of Physiological Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Obesity Unit, Centro de Pesquisas Clínicas Multiusuário (CePeM), Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto (HUPE), State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Clinical and Experimental Physiopathology (Fisclinex), Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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10
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Busch EJN. Restoring the Organism as a Whole: Does NRP Resurrect the Dead? THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2024; 24:27-33. [PMID: 38829586 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2024.2337403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The introduction of normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) in controlled donation after circulatory determination of death (cDCDD) protocols is by some regarded as controversial and ethically troublesome. One of the main concerns that opponents have about introducing NRP in cDCDD protocols is that reestablishing circulation will negate the determination of death by circulatory criteria, potentially resuscitating the donor. In this article, I argue that this is not the case. If we take a closer look at the concept of death underlying the circulatory criterion for determination of death, we find that the purpose of the criterion is to show whether the organism as a whole has died. I argue that this purpose is fulfilled by the circulatory criterion in cDCDD protocols, and that applying NRP does not negate the determination of death or resuscitate the donor.
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11
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Nicolson C, Burke A, Gardiner D, Harvey D, Munshi L, Shaw M, Tsanas A, Lone N, Puxty K. Predicting time to asystole following withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment: a systematic review. Anaesthesia 2024; 79:638-649. [PMID: 38301032 DOI: 10.1111/anae.16222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The planned withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment is a common practice in the intensive care unit for patients where ongoing organ support is recognised to be futile. Predicting the time to asystole following withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment is crucial for setting expectations, resource utilisation and identifying patients suitable for organ donation after circulatory death. This systematic review evaluates the literature for variables associated with, and predictive models for, time to asystole in patients managed on intensive care units. We conducted a comprehensive structured search of the MEDLINE and Embase databases. Studies evaluating patients managed on adult intensive care units undergoing withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment with recorded time to asystole were included. Data extraction and PROBAST quality assessment were performed and a narrative summary of the literature was provided. Twenty-three studies (7387 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Variables associated with imminent asystole (<60 min) included: deteriorating oxygenation; absence of corneal reflexes; absence of a cough reflex; blood pressure; use of vasopressors; and use of comfort medications. We identified a total of 20 unique predictive models using a wide range of variables and techniques. Many of these models also underwent secondary validation in further studies or were adapted to develop new models. This review identifies variables associated with time to asystole following withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment and summarises existing predictive models. Although several predictive models have been developed, their generalisability and performance varied. Further research and validation are needed to improve the accuracy and widespread adoption of predictive models for patients managed in intensive care units who may be eligible to donate organs following their diagnosis of death by circulatory criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Nicolson
- Department of Critical Care, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A Burke
- Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - D Gardiner
- Critical Care, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
- NHS Blood and Transplant, Watford, UK
| | - D Harvey
- Critical Care, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
- NHS Blood and Transplant, Watford, UK
| | - L Munshi
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System and University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M Shaw
- Department of Clinical Physics & Bioengineering, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Tsanas
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - N Lone
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Critical Care, NHS Lothian, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - K Puxty
- Department of Critical Care, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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12
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Dudzinski DM, Pal JD, Kirkpatrick JN. Ethical and Equity Guidance for Transplant Programs Considering Thoracoabdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion (TA-NRP) for Procurement of Hearts. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2024; 24:16-26. [PMID: 38829597 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2024.2337393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Donation after circulatory determination of death (DCDD) is an accepted practice in the United States, but heart procurement under these circumstances has been debated. Although the practice is experiencing a resurgence due to the recently completed trials using ex vivo perfusion systems, interest in thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP), wherein the organs are reanimated in situ prior to procurement, has raised many ethical questions. We outline practical, ethical, and equity considerations to ensure transplant programs make well-informed decisions about TA-NRP. We present a multidisciplinary analysis of the relevant ethical issues arising from DCDD-NRP heart procurement, including application of the Dead Donor Rule and the Uniform Definition of Death Act, and provide recommendations to facilitate ethical analysis and input from all interested parties. We also recommend informed consent, as distinct from typical "authorization," for cadaveric organ donation using TA-NRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise M Dudzinski
- University of Washington School of Medicine
- University of Washington School of Medicine Ethics Consultation Service
| | - Jay D Pal
- University of Washington School of Medicine
| | - James N Kirkpatrick
- University of Washington School of Medicine
- University of Washington School of Medicine Ethics Consultation Service
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13
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Kirschen MP, Lewis A, Rubin MA, Varelas PN, Greer DM. Beyond the Final Heartbeat: Neurological Perspectives on Normothermic Regional Perfusion for Organ Donation after Circulatory Death. Ann Neurol 2024; 95:1035-1039. [PMID: 38501716 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) has recently been used to augment organ donation after circulatory death (DCD) to improve the quantity and quality of transplantable organs. In DCD-NRP, after withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies and cardiopulmonary arrest, patients are cannulated onto extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to reestablish blood flow to targeted organs including the heart. During this process, aortic arch vessels are ligated to restrict cerebral blood flow. We review ethical challenges including whether the brain is sufficiently reperfused through collateral circulation to allow reemergence of consciousness or pain perception, whether resumption of cardiac activity nullifies the patient's prior death determination, and whether specific authorization for DCD-NRP is required. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:1035-1039.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Kirschen
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Neurology, and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ariane Lewis
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, New York University, Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael A Rubin
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - David M Greer
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Bernat JL, Khush KK, Shemie SD, Hartwig MG, Reese PP, Dalle Ave A, Parent B, Glazier AK, Capron AM, Craig M, Gofton T, Gordon EJ, Healey A, Homan ME, Ladin K, Messer S, Murphy N, Nakagawa TA, Parker WF, Pentz RD, Rodríguez-Arias D, Schwartz B, Sulmasy DP, Truog RD, Wall AE, Wall SP, Wolpe PR, Fenton KN. Knowledge gaps in heart and lung donation after the circulatory determination of death: Report of a workshop of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. J Heart Lung Transplant 2024; 43:1021-1029. [PMID: 38432523 PMCID: PMC11132427 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2024.02.1455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In a workshop sponsored by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, experts identified current knowledge gaps and research opportunities in the scientific, conceptual, and ethical understanding of organ donation after the circulatory determination of death and its technologies. To minimize organ injury from warm ischemia and produce better recipient outcomes, innovative techniques to perfuse and oxygenate organs postmortem in situ, such as thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion, are being implemented in several medical centers in the US and elsewhere. These technologies have improved organ outcomes but have raised ethical and legal questions. Re-establishing donor circulation postmortem can be viewed as invalidating the condition of permanent cessation of circulation on which the earlier death determination was made and clamping arch vessels to exclude brain circulation can be viewed as inducing brain death. Alternatively, TA-NRP can be viewed as localized in-situ organ perfusion, not whole-body resuscitation, that does not invalidate death determination. Further scientific, conceptual, and ethical studies, such as those identified in this workshop, can inform and help resolve controversies raised by this practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Bernat
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire.
| | - Kiran K Khush
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Sam D Shemie
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, PQ, Canada
| | - Matthew G Hartwig
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Peter P Reese
- Center for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Anne Dalle Ave
- Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Brendan Parent
- Division of Medical Ethics and Department of Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Alexandra K Glazier
- Brown University, School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island; New England Donor Services, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Alexander M Capron
- Gould School of Law and Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Matt Craig
- Lung Biology and Disease Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Teneille Gofton
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elisa J Gordon
- Department of Surgery, Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Andrew Healey
- Department of Medicine McMaster University and William Osler Health System, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Keren Ladin
- Research on Ethics, Aging, and Community Health (REACH Lab); Departments of Occupational Therapy and Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Simon Messer
- Department of Transplant, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, Scotland UK
| | - Nick Murphy
- Departments of Medicine and Philosophy, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas A Nakagawa
- University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - William F Parker
- Department of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rebecca D Pentz
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Bryanna Schwartz
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Cardiology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Daniel P Sulmasy
- The Kennedy Institute of Ethics and the Departments of Medicine and Philosophy, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Robert D Truog
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital; Center for Bioethics, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anji E Wall
- Department of Surgery, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Stephen P Wall
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine; NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Department of Population Health, NYU, New York, New York
| | - Paul R Wolpe
- Center for Ethics, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kathleen N Fenton
- Advanced Technologies and Surgery Branch, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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15
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Bernat JL. The Unified Brain-Based Determination of Death Conceptually Justifies Death Determination in DCDD and NRP Protocols. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2024; 24:4-15. [PMID: 38829591 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2024.2337392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Organ donation after the circulatory determination of death requires the permanent cessation of circulation while organ donation after the brain determination of death requires the irreversible cessation of brain functions. The unified brain-based determination of death connects the brain and circulatory death criteria for circulatory death determination in organ donation as follows: permanent cessation of systemic circulation causes permanent cessation of brain circulation which causes permanent cessation of brain perfusion which causes permanent cessation of brain function. The relevant circulation that must cease in circulatory death determination is that to the brain. Eliminating brain circulation from the donor ECMO organ perfusion circuit in thoracoabdominal NRP protocols satisfies the unified brain-based determination of death but only if the complete cessation of brain circulation can be proved. Despite its medical and physiologic rationale, the unified brain-based determination of death remains inconsistent with the Uniform Determination of Death Act.
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16
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Mashour GA, Lee U, Pal D, Li D. Consciousness and the Dying Brain. Anesthesiology 2024; 140:1221-1231. [PMID: 38603803 PMCID: PMC11096058 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000004970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The near-death experience has been reported since antiquity and is often characterized by the perception of light, interactions with other entities, and life recall. Near-death experiences can occur in a variety of situations, but they have been studied systematically after in-hospital cardiac arrest, with an incidence of 10 to 20%. Long attributed to metaphysical or supernatural causes, there have been recent advances in understanding the neurophysiologic basis of this unique category of conscious experience. This article reviews the epidemiology and neurobiology of near-death experiences, with a focus on clinical and laboratory evidence for a surge of neurophysiologic gamma oscillations and cortical connectivity after cardiac and respiratory arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A. Mashour
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Consciousness Science, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - UnCheol Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Dinesh Pal
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Consciousness Science and Neuroscience Graduate Program, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Duan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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17
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Brubaker AL, Sellers MT, Abt PL, Croome KP, Merani S, Wall A, Abreu P, Alebrahim M, Baskin R, Bohorquez H, Cannon RM, Cederquist K, Edwards J, Huerter BG, Hobeika MJ, Kautzman L, Langnas AN, Lee DD, Manzi J, Nassar A, Neidlinger N, Nydam TL, Schnickel GT, Siddiqui F, Suah A, Taj R, Taner CB, Testa G, Vianna R, Vyas F, Montenovo MI. US Liver Transplant Outcomes After Normothermic Regional Perfusion vs Standard Super Rapid Recovery. JAMA Surg 2024; 159:677-685. [PMID: 38568597 PMCID: PMC10993160 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2024.0520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Importance Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) is an emerging recovery modality for transplantable allografts from controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD) donors. In the US, only 11.4% of liver recipients who are transplanted from a deceased donor receive a cDCD liver. NRP has the potential to safely expand the US donor pool with improved transplant outcomes as compared with standard super rapid recovery (SRR). Objective To assess outcomes of US liver transplants using controlled donation after circulatory death livers recovered with normothermic regional perfusion vs standard super rapid recovery. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a retrospective, observational cohort study comparing liver transplant outcomes from cDCD donors recovered by NRP vs SRR. Outcomes of cDCD liver transplant from January 2017 to May 2023 were collated from 17 US transplant centers and included livers recovered by SRR and NRP (thoracoabdominal NRP [TA-NRP] and abdominal NRP [A-NRP]). Seven transplant centers used NRP, allowing for liver allografts to be transplanted at 17 centers; 10 centers imported livers recovered via NRP from other centers. Exposures cDCD livers were recovered by either NRP or SRR. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was ischemic cholangiopathy (IC). Secondary end points included primary nonfunction (PNF), early allograft dysfunction (EAD), biliary anastomotic strictures, posttransplant length of stay (LOS), and patient and graft survival. Results A total of 242 cDCD livers were included in this study: 136 recovered by SRR and 106 recovered by NRP (TA-NRP, 79 and A-NRP, 27). Median (IQR) NRP and SRR donor age was 30.5 (22-44) years and 36 (27-49) years, respectively. Median (IQR) posttransplant LOS was significantly shorter in the NRP cohort (7 [5-11] days vs 10 [7-16] days; P < .001). PNF occurred only in the SRR allografts group (n = 2). EAD was more common in the SRR cohort (123 of 136 [56.1%] vs 77 of 106 [36.4%]; P = .007). Biliary anastomotic strictures were increased 2.8-fold in SRR recipients (7 of 105 [6.7%] vs 30 of 134 [22.4%]; P = .001). Only SRR recipients had IC (0 vs 12 of 133 [9.0%]; P = .002); IC-free survival by Kaplan-Meier was significantly improved in NRP recipients. Patient and graft survival were comparable between cohorts. Conclusion and Relevance There was comparable patient and graft survival in liver transplant recipients of cDCD donors recovered by NRP vs SRR, with reduced rates of IC, biliary complications, and EAD in NRP recipients. The feasibility of A-NRP and TA-NRP implementation across multiple US transplant centers supports increasing adoption of NRP to improve organ use, access to transplant, and risk of wait-list mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleah L. Brubaker
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
- CONCORD: Consortium for Donation after Circulatory Death and Normothermic Regional Perfusion Outcomes Research and Development
| | - Marty T. Sellers
- CONCORD: Consortium for Donation after Circulatory Death and Normothermic Regional Perfusion Outcomes Research and Development
- Tennessee Donor Services, Nashville
| | - Peter L. Abt
- CONCORD: Consortium for Donation after Circulatory Death and Normothermic Regional Perfusion Outcomes Research and Development
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Division, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Kristopher P. Croome
- CONCORD: Consortium for Donation after Circulatory Death and Normothermic Regional Perfusion Outcomes Research and Development
- Department of Transplant, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville
| | - Shaheed Merani
- CONCORD: Consortium for Donation after Circulatory Death and Normothermic Regional Perfusion Outcomes Research and Development
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Anji Wall
- CONCORD: Consortium for Donation after Circulatory Death and Normothermic Regional Perfusion Outcomes Research and Development
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Phillipe Abreu
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Roy Baskin
- Methodist Transplant Specialists, Dallas, Texas
| | - Humberto Bohorquez
- Department of Surgery, Ochsner School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Robert M. Cannon
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Kelly Cederquist
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Division, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - John Edwards
- Gift of Life Donor Program, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Mark J. Hobeika
- J.C. Walter Jr Transplant Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Alan N. Langnas
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - David D. Lee
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joao Manzi
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Ahmed Nassar
- Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | | | - Trevor L. Nydam
- CONCORD: Consortium for Donation after Circulatory Death and Normothermic Regional Perfusion Outcomes Research and Development
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Colorado, Aurora
| | - Gabriel T. Schnickel
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Farjad Siddiqui
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus
- Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ashley Suah
- Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Raeda Taj
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Division, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | | | - Giuliano Testa
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Rodrigo Vianna
- Miami Transplant Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Frederick Vyas
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Division, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Martin I. Montenovo
- CONCORD: Consortium for Donation after Circulatory Death and Normothermic Regional Perfusion Outcomes Research and Development
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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18
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Murphy NB, Shemie SD, Capron A, Truog RD, Nakagawa T, Healey A, Gofton T, Bernat JL, Fenton K, Khush KK, Schwartz B, Wall SP. Advancing the Scientific Basis for Determining Death in Controlled Organ Donation After Circulatory Determination of Death. Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00733. [PMID: 38637919 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
In controlled organ donation after circulatory determination of death (cDCDD), accurate and timely death determination is critical, yet knowledge gaps persist. Further research to improve the science of defining and determining death by circulatory criteria is therefore warranted. In a workshop sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, experts identified research opportunities pertaining to scientific, conceptual, and ethical understandings of DCDD and associated technologies. This article identifies a research strategy to inform the biomedical definition of death, the criteria for its determination, and circulatory death determination in cDCDD. Highlighting knowledge gaps, we propose that further research is needed to inform the observation period following cessation of circulation in pediatric and neonatal populations, the temporal relationship between the cessation of brain and circulatory function after the withdrawal of life-sustaining measures in all patient populations, and the minimal pulse pressures that sustain brain blood flow, perfusion, activity, and function. Additionally, accurate predictive tools to estimate time to asystole following the withdrawal of treatment and alternative monitoring modalities to establish the cessation of circulatory, brainstem, and brain function are needed. The physiologic and conceptual implications of postmortem interventions that resume circulation in cDCDD donors likewise demand attention to inform organ recovery practices. Finally, because jurisdictionally variable definitions of death and the criteria for its determination may impede collaborative research efforts, further work is required to achieve consensus on the physiologic and conceptual rationale for defining and determining death after circulatory arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas B Murphy
- Departments of Medicine and Philosophy, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sam D Shemie
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- System Development, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alex Capron
- Gould School of Law and Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Robert D Truog
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Thomas Nakagawa
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Andrew Healey
- Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Divisions of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Teneille Gofton
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - James L Bernat
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH
| | - Kathleen Fenton
- Advanced Technologies and Surgery Branch, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kiran K Khush
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Bryanna Schwartz
- Heart Development and Structural Diseases Branch, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- Division of Cardiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Stephen P Wall
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
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19
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Wall AE, Adams BL, Brubaker A, Chang CWJ, Croome KP, Frontera J, Gordon E, Hoffman J, Kaplan LJ, Kumar D, Levisky J, Miñambres E, Parent B, Watson C, Zemmar A, Pomfret EA. The American Society of Transplant Surgeons Consensus Statement on Normothermic Regional Perfusion. Transplantation 2024; 108:312-318. [PMID: 38254280 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
On June 3, 2023, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons convened a meeting in San Diego, California to (1) develop a consensus statement with supporting data on the ethical tenets of thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) and abdominal NRP; (2) provide guidelines for the standards of practice that should govern thoracoabdominal NRP and abdominal NRP; and (3) develop and implement a central database for the collection of NRP donor and recipient data in the United States. National and international leaders in the fields of neuroscience, transplantation, critical care, NRP, Organ Procurement Organizations, transplant centers, and donor families participated. The conference was designed to focus on the controversial issues of neurological flow and function in donation after circulatory death donors during NRP and propose technical standards necessary to ensure that this procedure is performed safely and effectively. This article discusses major topics and conclusions addressed at the meeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anji E Wall
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Baylor Simmons Transplant Institute, Dallas, TX
| | | | - Aleah Brubaker
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Cherylee W J Chang
- Neurocritical Care Division, Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | | | - Jennifer Frontera
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Elisa Gordon
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Jordan Hoffman
- Heart and Lung Transplantation and CTEPH Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO
| | - Lewis J Kaplan
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Surgical Critical Care Section, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Deepali Kumar
- Transplant Infectious Diseases, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Josh Levisky
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Eduardo Miñambres
- Donor Transplant Coordination Unit and Intensive Care Service, Hospital Universitario de Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, Spain
| | - Brendan Parent
- Division of Medical Ethics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Christopher Watson
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ajmal Zemmar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Elizabeth A Pomfret
- Division of Transplant Surgery and Colorado Center for Transplantation Care, Research and Education (CCTCARE), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO
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20
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Zorko DJ, Hornby L, Dhanani S. In reply: Remarks on autoresuscitation-Polish analysis of Lazarus syndrome. Can J Anaesth 2024; 71:304-305. [PMID: 37985625 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-023-02657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David J Zorko
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Laura Hornby
- System Development, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sonny Dhanani
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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21
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Srivastava PK, Kittleson MM. Modern advances in heart transplantation. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 82:147-156. [PMID: 38244826 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Heart transplantation (HTx) is the only definitive therapy for patients with end stage heart disease. With the increasing global prevalence of heart failure, the demand for HTx has continued to grow and outpace supply. In this paper, we will review advances in the field of HTx along the clinical journey of a HTx recipient. Starting with the sensitized patient, we discuss current methods to define sensitization, and assays to help identify clinically relevant anti-HLA antibodies. Desensitization strategies targeting all levels of the adaptive immune system are discussed with emphasis on novel techniques such as anti-CD 38 blockade and use of the Immunoglobulin G-Degrading Enzyme of Streptococcus Pyogenes. We next discuss donor procurement and the resurgence of donation after circulatory death as a viable strategy to significantly and safely increase the donor pool. Post-transplant, we evaluate non-invasive surveillance techniques including gene expression profiling and donor-derived cell-free DNA. Last, we discuss the ground-breaking developments in the field of xenotransplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratyaksh K Srivastava
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Michelle M Kittleson
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
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22
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O'Neill S, Asgari E, Callaghan C, Gardiner D, Hartog H, Iype S, Manara A, Nasralla D, Oniscu GC, Watson C. The British transplantation society guidelines on organ donation from deceased donors after circulatory death. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2023; 37:100791. [PMID: 37598591 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2023.100791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Recipient outcomes after transplantation with organs from donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors can compare favourably and even match recipient outcomes after transplantation with organs from donation after brain death donors. Success is dependent upon establishing common practices and accepted protocols that allow the safe sharing of DCD organs and maximise the use of the DCD donor pool. The British Transplantation Society 'Guideline on transplantation from deceased donors after circulatory death' has recently been updated. This manuscript summarises the relevant recommendations from chapters specifically related to organ donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen O'Neill
- Consultant Transplant Surgeon, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
| | - Ellie Asgari
- Consultant Nephrologist, Guy's Hospital, London, England
| | - Chris Callaghan
- Consultant Transplant Surgeon, Guy's Hospital, London, England
| | - Dale Gardiner
- Consultant Intensivist, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, England
| | - Hermien Hartog
- Consultant Transplant Surgeon, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, England
| | - Satheesh Iype
- Consultant Transplant Surgeon, Royal Free Hospital, London, England
| | - Alex Manara
- Consultant Intensivist, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, England
| | - David Nasralla
- Consultant Transplant Surgeon, Royal Free Hospital, London, England
| | - Gabi C Oniscu
- Consultant Transplant Surgeon, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Chris Watson
- Consultant Transplant Surgeon, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, England
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23
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Su E, Dutko A, Ginsburg S, Lasa JJ, Nakagawa TA. Death and Ultrasound Evidence of the Akinetic Heart in Pediatric Cardiac Arrest. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2023; 24:e568-e572. [PMID: 37318261 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an expanding noninvasive diagnostic modality used for the management of patients in multiple intensive care and pediatric specialties. POCUS is used to assess cardiac activity and pathology, pulmonary disease, intravascular volume status, intra-abdominal processes, procedural guidance including vascular access, lumbar puncture, thoracentesis, paracentesis, and pericardiocentesis. POCUS has also been used to determine anterograde flow following circulatory arrest when organ donation after circulatory death is being considered. Published guidelines exist from multiple medical societies including the recent guidelines for the use of POCUS in neonatology for diagnostic and procedural purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Su
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Amy Dutko
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Sarah Ginsburg
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX
| | - Javier J Lasa
- Divisions of Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX
| | - Thomas A Nakagawa
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
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24
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Shahin J, Scales NB, Johara F, Hogue M, Hornby L, Shemie S, Schmidt M, Waldauf P, Duska F, Wind T, Van Mook WN, Dhanani S. Is the process of withdrawal of life-sustaining measures in the intensive care unit different for deceased organ donors compared with other dying patients? A secondary analysis of prospectively collected data. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069536. [PMID: 37597867 PMCID: PMC10441082 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether observable differences exist between patterns of withdrawal of life-sustaining measures (WLSM) for patients eligible for donation after circulatory death (DCD) in whom donation was attempted compared with those patients in whom no donation attempts were made. SETTING Adult intensive care units from 20 centres in Canada, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. DESIGN Secondary analysis of quantitative data collected as part of a large, prospective, cohort study (the Death Prediction and Physiology after Removal of Therapy study). PARTICIPANTS Patients ≥18 years of age who died after a controlled WLSM in an intensive care unit. Patients were classified as not DCD eligible, DCD eligible with DCD attempted or DCD eligible but DCD was not attempted. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The process of WLSM (timing and type and, if applicable, dosages of measures withdrawn, dosages of analgesics/sedatives) was compared between groups. RESULTS Of the 635 patients analysed, 85% had either cardiovascular support stopped or were extubated immediately on WLSM. Of the DCD eligible patients, more were immediately extubated at the initiation of WLSM when DCD was attempted compared with when DCD was not attempted (95% vs 61%, p<0.0001). Initiation of WLSM with the immediate cessation of cardiovascular measures or early extubation was associated with earlier time to death, even after adjusting for confounders (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.39 to 6.23, at 30 min). Other than in a few patients who received propofol, analgesic and sedative dosing after WLSM between DCD attempted and DCD eligible but not attempted patients was not significantly different. All patients died. CONCLUSIONS Patients in whom DCD is attempted may receive a different process of WLSM. This highlights the need for a standardised and transparent process for end-of-life care across the spectrum of critically ill patients and potential organ donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Shahin
- Division of Critical Care, Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, McGill University Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - F Johara
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - M Hogue
- CHEO, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Hornby
- System Development, Canadian Blood Services Organ Donation and Transplantation, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sam Shemie
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Childrens Hospital, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- System Development, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Schmidt
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Praha, Czech Republic
- FNKV University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - P Waldauf
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Praha, Czech Republic
- FNKV University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - F Duska
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Praha, Czech Republic
- FNKV University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tineke Wind
- Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - W N Van Mook
- Deparment of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sonny Dhanani
- Critical Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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25
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Kreitmair KV. On the ethical permissibility of in situ reperfusion in cardiac transplantation after the declaration of circulatory death. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2023:jme-2022-108819. [PMID: 37541783 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2022-108819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Transplant surgeons in the USA have begun performing a novel organ procurement protocol in the setting of circulatory death. Unlike traditional donation after circulatory death (DCD) protocols, in situ normothermic perfusion DCD involves reperfusing organs, including the heart, while still contained in the donor body. Some commentators, including the American College of Physicians, have claimed that in situ reperfusion after circulatory death violates the widely accepted Dead Donor Rule (DDR) and conclude that in situ reperfusion is ethically impermissible. In this paper I argue that, in terms of respecting the DDR, in situ reperfusion cardiac transplantation does not differ from traditional DCD cardiac transplantation. I do this by introducing and defending a refined conception of circulatory death, namely vegetative state function permanentism I also argue against the controversial brain occlusion feature of the in situ reperfusion DCD protocol, on the basis that it is ethically unnecessary and generates the problematic appearance of ethical dubiousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karola Veronika Kreitmair
- Medical History and Bioethics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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26
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Bernat JL, Domínguez-Gil B, Glazier AK, Gardiner D, Manara AR, Shemie S, Porte RJ, Martin DE, Opdam H, McGee A, López Fraga M, Rayar M, Kerforne T, Bušić M, Romagnoli R, Zanierato M, Tullius SG, Miñambres E, Royo-Villanova M, Delmonico FL. Understanding the Brain-based Determination of Death When Organ Recovery Is Performed With DCDD In Situ Normothermic Regional Perfusion. Transplantation 2023; 107:1650-1654. [PMID: 37170405 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James L Bernat
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH
| | | | - Alexandra K Glazier
- New England Donor Services, Waltham, MA. Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Dale Gardiner
- Medical Directorate, Deceased Organ Donation for NHS Blood and Transplant, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander R Manara
- Intensive Care Medicine, The Intensive Care Unit, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Shemie
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QB, Canada
| | - Robert J Porte
- Division of HPB and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dominique E Martin
- Health Ethics and Professionalism School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Helen Opdam
- Australian Organ and Tissue Authority, Austin Hospital, and Warringal Private Hospital Intensive Care Unit, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew McGee
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Faculty of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane City, QLD, Australia
| | - Marta López Fraga
- Quality of Medicines and Healthcare, Council of Europe, European Committee on Organ Transplantation (CD-P-TO), Strasbourg, France
| | - Michel Rayar
- Service de chirurgie Hépatobiliaire et Digestif CHU Pontchaillou, Rennes, France
| | - Thomas Kerforne
- Service d'Anesthésie-Réanimation et Médecine Périopératoire-CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Mirela Bušić
- SoHO Standards Department of Biological Standardisation, OMCL Network and HealthCare (DBO) EDQM, Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France
| | - Renato Romagnoli
- General Surgery 2U - Liver Transplant Center, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Molinette Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marinella Zanierato
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Molinette Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefan G Tullius
- Transplant Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Division of Transplant Surgery Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Eduardo Miñambres
- Donor Transplant Coordination Unit and Service of Intensive Care, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, School of Medicine, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Mario Royo-Villanova
- Donor Transplant Coordination Unit and Service of Intensive Care, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francis L Delmonico
- New England Donor Services, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
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27
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Kaffka genaamd Dengler SE, Vervoorn MT, Brouwer M, de Jonge J, van der Kaaij NP. Dilemmas concerning heart procurement in controlled donation after circulatory death. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1225543. [PMID: 37583588 PMCID: PMC10424927 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1225543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
With an expanding population at risk for heart failure and the resulting increase in patients admitted to the waiting list for heart transplantation, the demand of viable organs exceeds the supply of suitable donor hearts. Use of hearts after circulatory death has reduced this deficit. Two primary techniques for heart procurement in circulatory death donors have been described: direct procurement and perfusion and thoraco-abdominal normothermic regional perfusion. While the former has been accepted as an option for heart procurement in circulatory death donors, the latter technique has raised some ethical questions in relation to the dead donor rule. In this paper we discuss the current dilemmas regarding these heart procurement protocols in circulatory death donors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M. T. Vervoorn
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - M. Brouwer
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - J. de Jonge
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - N. P. van der Kaaij
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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28
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Martin DE, Forlini C, Tumilty E. Certainty, Science, and the Brain-Based Definition of Death. AJOB Neurosci 2023; 14:279-282. [PMID: 37682671 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2023.2237475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
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29
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Williment C, Beaulieu L, Clarkson A, Gunderson S, Hartell D, Escoto M, Ippersiel R, Powell L, Kirste G, Nathan HM, Opdam H, Weiss MJ. Organ Donation Organization Architecture: Recommendations From an International Consensus Forum. Transplant Direct 2023; 9:e1440. [PMID: 37138552 PMCID: PMC10150918 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This report contains recommendations from 1 of 7 domains of the International Donation and Transplantation Legislative and Policy Forum (the Forum). The purpose is to provide expert guidance on the structure and function of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation (OTDT) systems. The intended audience is OTDT stakeholders working to establish or improve existing systems. Methods The Forum was initiated by Transplant Québec and co-hosted by the Canadian Donation and Transplantation Program partnered with multiple national and international donation and transplantation organizations. This domain group included administrative, clinical, and academic experts in OTDT systems and 3 patient, family, and donor partners. We identified topic areas and recommendations through consensus, using the nominal group technique. Selected topics were informed by narrative literature reviews and vetted by the Forum's scientific committee. We presented these recommendations publicly, with delegate feedback being incorporated into the final report. Results This report has 33 recommendations grouped into 10 topic areas. Topic areas include the need for public and professional education, processes to assure timely referral of patients who are potential donors, and processes to ensure that standards are properly enforced. Conclusions The recommendations encompass the multiple roles organ donation organizations play in the donation and transplantation process. We recognize the diversity of local conditions but believe that they could be adapted and applied by organ donation organizations across the world to accomplish their fundamental objectives of assuring that everyone who desires to become an organ donor is given that opportunity in a safe, equitable, and transparent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Williment
- Organ Donation and Transplantation, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anthony Clarkson
- Organ Donation and Transplantation, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Hartell
- Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Manuel Escoto
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Richard Ippersiel
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Linda Powell
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gunter Kirste
- Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Helen Opdam
- Australian Organ and Tissue Authority, Canberra, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Weiss
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Gift of Life Donor Program, Philadelphia, PA
- Transplant Québec, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Centre Mère-Enfant Soleil du CHU de Québec, QC, Canada
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30
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Murphy N, Weijer C, Debicki D, Laforge G, Norton L, Gofton T, Slessarev M. Ethics of non-therapeutic research on imminently dying patients in the intensive care unit. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2023; 49:311-318. [PMID: 35728941 PMCID: PMC10176359 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2021-107953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Non-therapeutic research with imminently dying patients in intensive care presents complex ethical issues. The vulnerabilities of the imminently dying, together with societal disquiet around death and dying, contribute to an intuition that such research is beyond the legitimate scope of scientific inquiry. Yet excluding imminently dying patients from research hinders the advancement of medical science to the detriment of future patients. Building on existing ethical guidelines for research, we propose a framework for the ethical design and conduct of research involving the imminently dying. To enable rapid translation to practice, we frame the approach in the form of eight ethical questions that researchers and research ethics committees ought to answer prior to conducting any research with this patient population. (1) Does the study hypothesis require the inclusion of imminently dying patients? (2) Are non-therapeutic risks and burdens minimised consistent with sound scientific design? (3) Are the risks of these procedures no more than minimal risk? (4) Are these non-therapeutic risks justified insofar as they are reasonable in relation to the anticipated benefits of the study? (5) Will valid informed consent be obtained from an authorised surrogate decision maker? (6) How will incidental findings be handled? (7) What additional steps are in place to protect families and significant others of research participants? (8) What additional steps are in place to protect clinical staff and researchers? Several ethical challenges hinder research with imminently dying patients. Nonetheless, provided adequate protections are in place, non-therapeutic research with imminently dying patients is ethically justifiable. Applying our framework to an ongoing study, we demonstrate how our question-driven approach is well suited to guiding investigators and research ethics committees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Murphy
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Philosophy, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charles Weijer
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Philosophy, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Derek Debicki
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geoffrey Laforge
- Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Loretta Norton
- Department of Psychology, King's University College at Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Teneille Gofton
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marat Slessarev
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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31
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Gofton T, Dhanani S, Meade M, Boyd JG, Chamberlain E, Chandler J, Chassé M, Scales NB, Choi YH, D'Aragon F, Debicki D, English S, Fantaneanu TA, Kramer AH, Kromm J, Murphy N, Norton L, Singh J, Smith MJ, Weijer C, Shemie S, Bentall TC, Campbell E, Slessarev M. Neurologic Physiology after Removal of Therapy (NeuPaRT) study: study protocol of a multicentre, prospective, observational, pilot feasibility study of neurophysiology after withdrawal of life-sustaining measures. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073643. [PMID: 37105694 PMCID: PMC10152060 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In donation after circulatory determination of death, death is declared 5 min after circulatory arrest. This practice assumes, but does not explicitly confirm, permanent loss of brain activity. While this assumption is rooted a strong physiological rationale, paucity of direct human data regarding temporal relationship between cessation of brain activity and circulatory arrest during the dying process threatens public and healthcare provider trust in deceased organ donation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In this cohort study, we will prospectively record cerebral and brainstem electrical activity, cerebral blood flow velocity and arterial blood pressure using electroencephalography (EEG), brainstem evoked potentials, transcranial doppler and bedside haemodynamic monitors in adult patients undergoing planned withdrawal of life sustaining measures in the intensive care units at five hospital sites for 18 months. We will use MATLAB to synchronise waveform data and compute the time of cessation of each signal relative to circulatory arrest. Our primary outcome is the feasibility of patient accrual, while secondary outcomes are (a) proportion of patients with complete waveform recordings and data transfer to coordinating site and (b) time difference between cessation of neurophysiological signals and circulatory arrest. We expect to accrue 1 patient/site/month for a total of 90 patients. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION We have ethics approval from Clinical Trials Ontario (protocol #3862, version 1.0, date 19 January 2022.) and the relevant Research Ethics Board for each site. We will obtain written informed consent from legal substitute decision makers. We will present study results at research conferences including donor family partner forum and in peer-reviewed publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05306327.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teneille Gofton
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sonny Dhanani
- Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maureen Meade
- Critical Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Gordon Boyd
- Departments of Neurology and Critical Care, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Michaël Chassé
- Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nathan B Scales
- Dynamical Analysis Laboratory, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yun-Hee Choi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Frédérick D'Aragon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Universite de Sherbrooke Faculte de medecine et des sciences de la sante, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche du CHUS, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Derek Debicki
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shane English
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tadeu A Fantaneanu
- Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andreas H Kramer
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julie Kromm
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicholas Murphy
- Philosophy and Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Loretta Norton
- Department of Psychology, King's University College at Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Singh
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Critical Care, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maxwell J Smith
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences and Rotman Institute of Philosophy, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Charles Weijer
- Department of Philosophy, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sam Shemie
- Pediatric Intensive Care, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Tracey C Bentall
- Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eileen Campbell
- Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marat Slessarev
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Sarti AJ, Honarmand K, Sutherland S, Hornby L, Wilson LC, Priestap F, Carignan R, Joanne B, Brewster H, Elliott-Pohl K, Weiss M, Shemie SD. When is a person dead? The Canadian public's understanding of death and death determination: a nationwide survey. Can J Anaesth 2023; 70:617-627. [PMID: 37131025 PMCID: PMC10202975 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-023-02409-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to describe the Canadian public's understanding and perception of how death is determined in Canada, their level of interest in learning about death and death determination, and their preferred strategies for informing the public. METHODS We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of the Canadian public. The survey presented two scenarios of a man who met current criteria for neurologic death determination (scenario 1) and a man who met current criteria for circulatory death determination (scenario 2). Survey questions evaluated understanding of how death is determined, acceptance of death determination by neurologic and circulatory criteria, and interest and preferred strategies in learning more about the topic. RESULTS Among 2,000 respondents (50.8% women; n = 1,015), nearly 67.2% believed that the man in scenario 1 was dead (n = 1,344) and 81.2% (n = 1,623) believed that the man in scenario 2 was dead. Respondents who believed that the man was not dead or were unsure endorsed several factors that may increase their agreement with the determination of death, including requiring more information about how death was determined, seeing the results of brain imaging/tests, and a third doctor's opinion. Predictors of disbelief that the man in scenario 1 is dead were younger age, being uncomfortable with the topic of death, and subscribing to a religion. Predictors of disbelief that the man in scenario 2 is dead were younger age, residing in Quebec (compared with Ontario), having a high school education, and subscribing to a religion. Most respondents (63.3%) indicated interest in learning more about death and death determination. Most respondents preferred to receive information about death and death determination from their health care professional (50.9%) and written information provided by their health care professional (42.7%). CONCLUSION Among the Canadian public, the understanding of neurologic and circulatory death determination is variable. More uncertainty exists with death determination by neurologic criteria than with circulatory criteria. Nevertheless, there is a high level of general interest in learning more about how death is determined in Canada. These findings provide important opportunities for further public engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee J Sarti
- Department of Critical Care, The Ottawa Hospital, General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.
| | - Kimia Honarmand
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie Sutherland
- Department of Critical Care, The Ottawa Hospital, General Campus, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Robert Carignan
- Canadian Medical Association Patient Voice, Ponteix, SK, Canada
| | - Brennan Joanne
- Vascular Research, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Sam D Shemie
- Division of Critical Care, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Shemie SD, Wilson LC, Hornby L, Basmaji J, Baker AJ, Bensimon CM, Chandler JA, Chassé M, Dawson R, Dhanani S, Mooney OT, Sarti AJ, Simpson C, Teitelbaum J, Torrance S, Boyd JG, Brennan J, Brewster H, Carignan R, Dawe KJ, Doig CJ, Elliott-Pohl K, Gofton TE, Hartwick M, Healey A, Honarmand K, Hornby K, Isac G, Kanji A, Kawchuk J, Klowak JA, Kramer AH, Kromm J, LeBlanc AE, Lee-Ameduri K, Lee LA, Leeies M, Lewis A, Manara A, Matheson S, McKinnon NKA, Murphy N, Briard JN, Pope TM, Sekhon MS, Shanker JJS, Singh G, Singh J, Slessarev M, Soliman K, Sutherland S, Weiss MJ, Shaul RZ, Zuckier LS, Zorko DJ, Rochwerg B. A brain-based definition of death and criteria for its determination after arrest of circulation or neurologic function in Canada: a 2023 clinical practice guideline. Can J Anaesth 2023; 70:483-557. [PMID: 37131020 PMCID: PMC10203028 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-023-02431-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This 2023 Clinical Practice Guideline provides the biomedical definition of death based on permanent cessation of brain function that applies to all persons, as well as recommendations for death determination by circulatory criteria for potential organ donors and death determination by neurologic criteria for all mechanically ventilated patients regardless of organ donation potential. This Guideline is endorsed by the Canadian Critical Care Society, the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses, Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society, the Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation (representing the Canadian Neurological Society, Canadian Neurosurgical Society, Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists, Canadian Association of Child Neurology, Canadian Society of Neuroradiology, and Canadian Stroke Consortium), Canadian Blood Services, the Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, the Nurse Practitioners Association of Canada, and the Canadian Cardiovascular Critical Care Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam D Shemie
- McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- MUHC Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | | | | | | | - Andrew J Baker
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Sonny Dhanani
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Owen T Mooney
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Transplant Manitoba Gift of Life Program, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Aimee J Sarti
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Christy Simpson
- Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jeanne Teitelbaum
- McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - J Gordon Boyd
- Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Kirk J Dawe
- Eastern Health, St. John's, NL, Canada
- Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Christopher J Doig
- University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | - Michael Hartwick
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew Healey
- Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network), Toronto, ON, Canada
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- William Osler Health System, Brampton, ON, Canada
| | - Kimia Honarmand
- Western University, London, ON, Canada
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - George Isac
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Aly Kanji
- McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joann Kawchuk
- Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | - Andreas H Kramer
- University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Southern Alberta Organ & Tissue Donation Program, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Julie Kromm
- University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Allana E LeBlanc
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses, London, ON, Canada
| | - Katarina Lee-Ameduri
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Laurie A Lee
- University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Murdoch Leeies
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Transplant Manitoba Gift of Life Program, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Canadian Critical Care Society, Markham, ON, Canada
| | - Ariane Lewis
- NYU Langone Medical Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Nicole K A McKinnon
- St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Thaddeus M Pope
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Saint Paul, MN, USA
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
- Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
- University of Minnesota Center for Bioethics, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mypinder S Sekhon
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Gurmeet Singh
- Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Singh
- St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network), Toronto, ON, Canada
- University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marat Slessarev
- Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karim Soliman
- Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lakeridge Health, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Matthew J Weiss
- Transplant Québec, Montreal, QC, Canada
- CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Randi Zlotnik Shaul
- St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lionel S Zuckier
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - David J Zorko
- St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bram Rochwerg
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Canadian Critical Care Society, Markham, ON, Canada
- Canadian Critical Care Trials Group, Markham, ON, Canada
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Lalgudi Ganesan S, Hornby L, Weiss M, Dawe K, Lanos C, Wollny K, Dhanani S, Gofton T. Brain-based arterial pulse pressure threshold for death determination: a systematic review. Can J Anaesth 2023; 70:685-698. [PMID: 37138154 PMCID: PMC10202984 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-023-02425-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There is lack of consensus regarding the minimum arterial pulse pressure required for confirming permanent cessation of circulation for death determination by circulatory criteria in organ donors. We assessed direct and indirect evidence supporting whether one should use an arterial pulse pressure of 0 mm Hg vs more than 0 (5, 10, 20, 40) mm Hg to confirm permanent cessation of circulation. SOURCE We conducted this systematic review as part of a larger project to develop a clinical practice guideline for death determination by circulatory or neurologic criteria. We systematically searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) via the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for articles published from inception until August 2021. We included all types of peer-reviewed original research publications related to arterial pulse pressure as monitored by an indwelling arterial pressure transducer around circulatory arrest or determination of death with either direct context-specific (organ donation) or indirect (outside of organ donation context) data. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A total of 3,289 abstracts were identified and screened for eligibility. Fourteen studies were included; three from personal libraries. Five studies were of sufficient quality for inclusion in the evidence profile for the clinical practice guideline. One study measured cessation of cortical scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) activity after withdrawal of life-sustaining measures and showed that EEG activity fell below 2 μV when the pulse pressure reached 8 mm Hg. This indirect evidence suggests there is a possibility of persistent cerebral activity at arterial pulse pressures > 5 mm Hg. CONCLUSION Indirect evidence suggests that clinicians may incorrectly diagnose death by circulatory criteria if they apply any arterial pulse pressure threshold of greater than 5 mm Hg. Moreover, there is insufficient evidence to determine that any pulse pressure threshold greater than 0 and less than 5 can safely determine circulatory death. STUDY REGISTRATION PROSPERO (CRD42021275763); first submitted 28 August 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saptharishi Lalgudi Ganesan
- Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
- Paediatric Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital - London Health Sciences Center, London, ON, Canada.
| | | | - Matthew Weiss
- Transplant Québec, Montreal, QC, Canada
- CHU de Québec, Université Laval Research Centre, Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Kirk Dawe
- Discipline of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
- Critical Care Program, Eastern Health, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Chelsea Lanos
- County of Renfrew Paramedic Service, Pembroke, ON, Canada
| | - Krista Wollny
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sonny Dhanani
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Teneille Gofton
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Zorko DJ, Shemie J, Hornby L, Singh G, Matheson S, Sandarage R, Wollny K, Kongkiattikul L, Dhanani S. Autoresuscitation after circulatory arrest: an updated systematic review. Can J Anaesth 2023; 70:699-712. [PMID: 37131027 PMCID: PMC10202982 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-023-02411-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Current practice in organ donation after death determination by circulatory criteria (DCD) advises a five-minute observation period following circulatory arrest, monitoring for unassisted resumption of spontaneous circulation (i.e., autoresuscitation). In light of newer data, the objective of this updated systematic review was to determine whether a five-minute observation time was still adequate for death determination by circulatory criteria. SOURCE We searched four electronic databases from inception to 28 August 2021, for studies evaluating or describing autoresuscitation events after circulatory arrest. Citation screening and data abstraction were conducted independently and in duplicate. We assessed certainty in evidence using the GRADE framework. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Eighteen new studies on autoresuscitation were identified, consisting of 14 case reports and four observational studies. Most studies evaluated adults (n = 15, 83%) and patients with unsuccessful resuscitation following cardiac arrest (n = 11, 61%). Overall, autoresuscitation was reported to occur between one and 20 min after circulatory arrest. Among all eligible studies identified by our reviews (n = 73), seven observational studies were identified. In observational studies of controlled withdrawal of life-sustaining measures with or without DCD (n = 6), 19 autoresuscitation events were reported in 1,049 patients (incidence 1.8%; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 2.8). All resumptions occurred within five minutes of circulatory arrest and all patients with autoresuscitation died. CONCLUSION A five-minute observation time is sufficient for controlled DCD (moderate certainty). An observation time greater than five minutes may be needed for uncontrolled DCD (low certainty). The findings of this systematic review will be incorporated into a Canadian guideline on death determination. STUDY REGISTRATION PROSPERO (CRD42021257827); registered 9 July 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Zorko
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jonah Shemie
- School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Laura Hornby
- System Development, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gurmeet Singh
- Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shauna Matheson
- Legacy of Life, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Ryan Sandarage
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Krista Wollny
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lalida Kongkiattikul
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sonny Dhanani
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada.
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Murphy NB, Weijer C, Lalgudi Ganesan S, Dhanani S, Gofton T, Slessarev M. Nontherapeutic research with imminently dying and recently deceased study populations: addressing practical and ethical challenges. Can J Anaesth 2023; 70:596-602. [PMID: 37160819 PMCID: PMC10202965 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-023-02414-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas B Murphy
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Philosophy, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Charles Weijer
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Philosophy, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sonny Dhanani
- Pediatric Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Teneille Gofton
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Marat Slessarev
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Trillium Gift of Life Network, London, ON, Canada
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Shemie J, Scales NB, Sucha E, Barrowman N, Hornby L, van Beinum A, Dhanani S. Variability in criteria for death determination in the intensive care unit. Can J Anaesth 2023; 70:628-636. [PMID: 37131026 PMCID: PMC10202993 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-023-02412-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Variability in practice exists in death determination by circulatory criteria in the context of organ donation. We sought to describe the practices of intensive care health care professionals for death determination by circulatory criteria with and without organ donation. METHODS This study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. We included patients with death determination by circulatory criteria in intensive care units at 16 hospitals in Canada, three in the Czech Republic, and one in the Netherlands. Results were recorded using a checklist for the determination of death questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 583 patients had their death determination checklist reviewed for statistical analysis. The mean (standard deviation) age in years was 64 (15). Three hundred and fourteen (54.0%) patients were from Canada, 230 (39.5%) were from the Czech Republic, and 38 (6.5%) were from the Netherlands. Fifty-two (8.9%) patients proceeded with donation after death determination by circulatory criteria (DCD). The most common diagnostic tests reported for the whole group were absent heart sounds by auscultation (81.8%), flat continuous arterial blood pressure (ABP) tracing (77.0%), and flat electrocardiogram tracing (73.2%). In patients who successfully underwent DCD (N = 52), death was determined most frequently using a flat continuous ABP tracing (94%), absent pulse oximetry (85%), and absent palpable pulse (77%). CONCLUSION In this study, we have described practices for death determination by circulatory criteria both within and between countries. Though some variability exists, we are reassured that appropriate criteria are almost always used in the context of organ donation. In particular, the use of continuous ABP monitoring in DCD was consistent. It highlights the need for standardization of practice and up to date guidelines, especially within the context of DCD where there is both an ethical and a legal requirement to adhere to the dead donor rule, while minimizing time between death determination and organ procurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonah Shemie
- School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Munster, Ireland
| | | | - Ewa Sucha
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Nick Barrowman
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Laura Hornby
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- System Development, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda van Beinum
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sonny Dhanani
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada.
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Louca J, Öchsner M, Shah A, Hoffman J, Vilchez FG, Garrido I, Royo-Villanova M, Domínguez-Gil B, Smith D, James L, Moazami N, Rega F, Brouckaert J, Van Cleemput J, Vandendriessche K, Tchana-Sato V, Bandiougou D, Urban M, Manara A, Berman M, Messer S, Large S. The international experience of in-situ recovery of the DCD heart: a multicentre retrospective observational study. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 58:101887. [PMID: 36911270 PMCID: PMC9995283 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart transplantation is an effective treatment offering the best recovery in both quality and quantity of life in those affected by refractory, severe heart failure. However, transplantation is limited by donor organ availability. The reintroduction of heart donation after the circulatory determination of death (DCD) in 2014 offered an uplift in transplant activity by 30%. Thoraco-abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (taNRP) enables in-situ reperfusion of the DCD heart. The objective of this paper is to assess the clinical outcomes of DCD donor hearts recovered and transplanted from donors undergoing taNRP. METHOD This was a multicentre retrospective observational study. Outcomes included functional warm ischaemic time, use of mechanical support immediately following transplantation, perioperative and long-term actuarial survival and incidence of acute rejection requiring treatment. 157 taNRP DCD heart transplants, performed between February 2, 2015, and July 29, 2022, have been included from 15 major transplant centres worldwide including the UK, Spain, the USA and Belgium. 673 donations after the neurological determination of death (DBD) heart transplantations from the same centres were used as a comparison group for survival. FINDINGS taNRP resulted in a 23% increase in heart transplantation activity. Survival was similar in the taNRP group when compared to DBD. 30-day survival was 96.8% ([92.5%-98.6%] 95% CI, n = 156), 1-year survival was 93.2% ([87.7%-96.3%] 95% CI, n = 72) and 5-year survival was 84.3% ([69.6%-92.2%] 95% CI, n = 13). INTERPRETATION Our study suggests that taNRP provides a significant boost to heart transplantation activity. The survival rates of taNRP are comparable to those obtained for DBD transplantation in this study. The similar survival may in part be related to a short warm ischaemic time or through a possible selection bias of younger donors, this being an uncontrolled observational study. Therefore, our study suggests that taNRP offers an effective method of organ preservation and procurement. This early success of the technique warrants further investigation and use. FUNDING None of the authors have a financial relationship with a commercial entity that has an interest in the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Louca
- University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK
- Corresponding author.
| | - Marco Öchsner
- University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB2 0SP, UK
| | - Ashish Shah
- Vanderbilt Heart Transplant Unit 1215, 21st Ave, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Jordan Hoffman
- Vanderbilt Heart Transplant Unit 1215, 21st Ave, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | | | - Iris Garrido
- Hospital Universitario Virgen de La Arrixaca, Ctra. Madrid-Cartagena, s/n, El Palmar, Murcia 30120, Spain
| | - Mario Royo-Villanova
- Hospital Universitario Virgen de La Arrixaca, Ctra. Madrid-Cartagena, s/n, El Palmar, Murcia 30120, Spain
| | | | - Deane Smith
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Langone, 1300 Franklin Avenue, Suite ML-2, Garden City, NY, USA
| | - Leslie James
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Langone, 1300 Franklin Avenue, Suite ML-2, Garden City, NY, USA
| | - Nader Moazami
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Langone, 1300 Franklin Avenue, Suite ML-2, Garden City, NY, USA
| | - Filip Rega
- Departments of Cardiac Surgery and Cardiology, The University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Janne Brouckaert
- Departments of Cardiac Surgery and Cardiology, The University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Van Cleemput
- Departments of Cardiac Surgery and Cardiology, The University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Vandendriessche
- Departments of Cardiac Surgery and Cardiology, The University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Marian Urban
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, 2410 Atherholt Road, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Alex Manara
- The Intensive Care Unit, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol BS 10 5NB, UK
| | - Marius Berman
- Royal Papworth Hospital Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0AY, UK
| | - Simon Messer
- Golden Jubilee Hospital, Agamermnon Street, Glasgow G81 4DY, UK
| | - Stephen Large
- Royal Papworth Hospital Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0AY, UK
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Gardiner D, Greer DM, Bernat JL, Meade MO, Opdam H, Schwarz SKW. Answering global challenges to the determination of death: consensus-building leadership from Canada. Can J Anaesth 2023; 70:468-477. [PMID: 37131024 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-023-02423-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dale Gardiner
- Adult Intensive Care Unit, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.
- NHS Blood and Transplant, Bristol, UK.
| | - David M Greer
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James L Bernat
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Maureen O Meade
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Helen Opdam
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- DonateLife, The Australian Organ and Tissue Authority, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Stephan K W Schwarz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, St. Paul's Hospital/Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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40
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Maitre G, Shemie SD, Baker A, Chassé M, Hornby L, Sarti AJ, Teitelbaum J, Dhanani S. Knowledge gaps in the definition and determination of death. Can J Anaesth 2023; 70:610-616. [PMID: 37131033 PMCID: PMC10203022 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-023-02422-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Maitre
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Montreal Children's Hospital, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Sam D Shemie
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew Baker
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Aimee J Sarti
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jeanne Teitelbaum
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sonny Dhanani
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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41
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Thiessen C, Gordon EJ, Kelly B, Wall A. The ethics of donation after circulatory death organ recovery: an overview of new considerations arising from procurement practice and policy changes. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2023; 28:133-138. [PMID: 36580376 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this study is to examine ethical issues raised by organ recovery from donors after circulatory death (DCD). RECENT FINDINGS Recent technological developments and policy modifications have implications for evolving ethical issues related to DCD organ procurement and donation. We identify four such changes and discuss the most significant ethical issues raised by each: the use of cardiac perfusion machines and the need to develop criteria to allow prioritization for organ preservation in joint thoracic-abdominal procurements, normothermic regional perfusion and the irreversibility criterion in the definition of death, practice variability in DCD withdrawal of care and death declarations, and equitable access to donation, and changes in organ procurement organization evaluation metrics and transplant system resource utilization. SUMMARY The evolution of DCD donation raises new ethical concerns that require further analysis to ensure that deceased donors, donor families and transplant recipients are treated respectfully and equitably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Thiessen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Elisa J Gordon
- Department of Surgery, and Center for Biomedical Ethics & Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Beau Kelly
- SDCI Donor Services, West Sacramento, California
| | - Anji Wall
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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42
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Klowak JA, Nguyen ALV, Malik A, Hornby L, Doig CJ, Kawchuk J, Sekhon M, Dhanani S. Diagnostic test accuracy for cessation of circulation during death determination: a systematic review. Can J Anaesth 2023; 70:671-684. [PMID: 37138156 PMCID: PMC10202983 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-023-02424-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To synthesize the available evidence comparing noninvasive methods of measuring the cessation of circulation in patients who are potential organ donors undergoing death determination by circulatory criteria (DCC) with the current accepted standard of invasive arterial blood pressure (IAP) monitoring. SOURCE We searched (from inception until 27 April 2021) MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We screened citations and manuscripts independently and in duplicate for eligible studies that compared noninvasive methodologies assessing circulation in patients who were monitored around a period of cessation of circulation. We performed risk of bias assessment, data abstraction, and quality assessment using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation in duplicate and independently. We presented findings narratively. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We included 21 eligible studies (N = 1,177 patients). Meta-analysis was not possible because of study heterogeneity. We identified low quality evidence from four indirect studies (n = 89) showing pulse palpation is less sensitive and specific than IAP (reported sensitivity range, 0.76-0.90; specificity, 0.41-0.79). Isoelectric electrocardiogram (ECG) had excellent specificity for death (two studies; 0% [0/510]), but likely increases the average time to death determination (moderate quality evidence). We are uncertain whether point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) pulse check, cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), or POCUS cardiac motion assessment are accurate tests for the determination of circulatory cessation (very low-quality evidence). CONCLUSION There is insufficient evidence that ECG, POCUS pulse check, cerebral NIRS, or POCUS cardiac motion assessment are superior or equivalent to IAP for DCC in the setting of organ donation. Isoelectric ECG is specific but can increase the time needed to determine death. Point-of-care ultrasound techniques are emerging therapies with promising initial data but are limited by indirectness and imprecision. STUDY REGISTRATION PROSPERO (CRD42021258936); first submitted 16 June 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Klowak
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada
| | | | - Abdullah Malik
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Christopher J Doig
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Joann Kawchuk
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Mypinder Sekhon
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sonny Dhanani
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada.
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43
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Lennon C, Harvey D, Goldstein PA. Ethical considerations for theatre teams in organ donation after circulatory determination of death. Br J Anaesth 2023; 130:502-507. [PMID: 36801100 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2023.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transplant surgery is an area that gives rise to a number of ethical considerations. As medicine continues to expand the boundaries of what is technically possible, we must consider the ethical implications of our interventions, not solely on patients and society, but also on those asked to provide that care. Here, we consider physician participation in procedures required to provide patient care in the context of the ethical convictions held by the physician, with an emphasis on organ donation after circulatory determination of death. Strategies that can be used to mitigate any potential negative impact on the psychological well-being of members of the patient care team are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Harvey
- National Health Service Blood & Transplant, UK; Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Peter A Goldstein
- Department of Anesthesiology, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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44
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Croome KP, Barbas AS, Whitson B, Zarrinpar A, Taner T, Lo D, MacConmara M, Kim J, Kennealey PT, Bromberg JS, Washburn K, Agopian VG, Stegall M, Quintini C. American Society of Transplant Surgeons recommendations on best practices in donation after circulatory death organ procurement. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:171-179. [PMID: 36695685 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The American Society of Transplant Surgeons supports efforts to increase the number of organs that are critically needed for patients desperately awaiting transplantation. In the United States, transplantation using organs procured from donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors has continued to increase in number. Despite these increases, substantial variability in the utilization and practices of DCD transplantation still exists. To improve DCD organ utilization, it is important to create a set of best practices for DCD recovery. The following recommendations aim to provide guidance on contemporary issues surrounding DCD organ procurement in the United States. A work group was composed of members of the American Society of Transplant Surgeon Scientific Studies Committee and the Thoracic Organ Transplantation Committee. The following topics were identified by the group either as controversial or lacking standardization: prewithdrawal preparation, definition of donor warm ischemia time, DCD surgical technique, combined thoracic and abdominal procurements, and normothermic regional perfusion. The proposed recommendations were classified on the basis of the grade of available evidence and the strength of the recommendation. This information should be valuable for transplant programs as well as for organ procurement organizations and donor hospitals as they develop robust DCD donor procurement protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew S Barbas
- Division of Abdominal Transplant Surgery,Duke University,Durham,North Carolina,USA
| | - Bryan Whitson
- Division of Cardiac Surgery,Department of Surgery,The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center,Columbus,Ohio,USA
| | - Ali Zarrinpar
- Department of Surgery,College of Medicine,University of Florida, Gainesville,Florida,USA
| | - Timucin Taner
- Department of Surgery,Mayo Clinic Rochester,Rochester,Minnesota,USA
| | - Denise Lo
- Emory Transplant Center,Emory University,Atlanta, Georgia,USA
| | - Malcolm MacConmara
- Division of Surgical Transplantation,Department of Surgery,University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,Dallas,Texas,USA
| | - Jim Kim
- Department of Surgery,Keck Medical Center,University of Southern California,Los Angeles,California,USA
| | - Peter T Kennealey
- Department of Surgery,University of Colorado School of Medicine,Aurora,Colorado,USA
| | - Jonathan S Bromberg
- Department of Surgery,University of Maryland School of Medicine,Baltimore,Maryland,USA
| | - Kenneth Washburn
- Department of Surgery,The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center,Columbus,Ohio,USA
| | - Vatche G Agopian
- Department of Surgery,David Geffen School of Medicine,University of California,Los Angeles,Los Angeles,California,USA
| | - Mark Stegall
- Department of Surgery,Mayo Clinic Rochester,Rochester,Minnesota,USA
| | - Cristiano Quintini
- Department of Surgery,Transplantation Center,Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute,Cleveland Clinic,Cleveland,Ohio,USA
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45
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Moeslund N, Zhang ZL, Dalsgaard FF, Glenting SB, Ilkjaer LB, Ryhammer P, Palmfeldt J, Pedersen M, Erasmus M, Eiskjaer H. Clamping of the Aortic Arch Vessels During Normothermic Regional Perfusion Does Not Negatively Affect Donor Cardiac Function in Donation After Circulatory Death. Transplantation 2023; 107:e3-e10. [PMID: 36042552 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hemodynamic effects of aortic arch vessel (AAV) clamping during normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) in donation after circulatory death is unknown. We investigated effects of AAV clamping during NRP compared with no clamping in a porcine model. METHODS In 16 pigs, hemodynamic parameters were recorded including biventricular pressure-volume measurements and invasive blood pressure. Additionally, blood gas parameters and inflammatory cytokines were used to assess the effect of AAV clamping. The animals were centrally cannulated for NRP, and baseline measurements were obtained before hypoxic circulatory arrest was induced by halting mechanical ventilation. During an 8-min asystole period, the animals were randomized to clamp (n = 8) or no-clamp (n = 8) of the AAV before commencement of NRP. During NRP, circulation was supported with norepinephrine (NE) and dobutamine. After 30 min of NRP, animals were weaned and observed for 180 min post-NRP. RESULTS All hearts were successfully reanimated and weaned from NRP. The nonclamp groups received significantly more NE to maintain a mean arterial pressure >60 mm Hg during and after NRP compared with the clamp group. There were no between group differences in blood pressure or cardiac output. Pressure-volume measurements demonstrated preserved cardiac function' including ejection fraction and diastolic and systolic function. No between group differences in inflammatory markers were observed. CONCLUSIONS AAV clamping did not negatively affect donor cardiac function or inflammation after circulatory death and NRP. Significantly less NE was used to support in the clamp group than in the nonclamp group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Moeslund
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
- Department for Clinical Medicine-Comparative Medicine Laboratory, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Zhang Long Zhang
- Department for Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik Flyvholm Dalsgaard
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
- Department for Clinical Medicine-Comparative Medicine Laboratory, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Sif Bay Glenting
- Department for Clinical Medicine-Comparative Medicine Laboratory, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Lars Bo Ilkjaer
- Department for Cardiothoracic Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Pia Ryhammer
- Department for Anesthesiology, Region Hospital Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Johan Palmfeldt
- Research Unit for Molecular Medicine, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Michael Pedersen
- Department for Clinical Medicine-Comparative Medicine Laboratory, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Michiel Erasmus
- Department for Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Eiskjaer
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
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46
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Mulder J, Sonneveld H, Van Raemdonck D, Downar J, Wiebe K, Domínguez-Gil B, Healey A, Desschans B, Neyrinck A, Blanco AP, van Dusseldorp I, Olthuis G. Practice and challenges for organ donation after medical assistance in dying: A scoping review including the results of the first international roundtable in 2021. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:2759-2780. [PMID: 36100362 PMCID: PMC10092544 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.17198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The procedure combining medical assistance in dying (MAiD) with donations after circulatory determination of death (DCDD) is known as organ donation after euthanasia (ODE). The first international roundtable on ODE was held during the 2021 WONCA family medicine conference as part of a scoping review. It aimed to document practice and related issues to advise patients, professionals, and policymakers, aiding the development of responsible guidelines and helping to navigate the issues. This was achieved through literature searches and national and international stakeholder meetings. Up to 2021, ODE was performed 286 times in Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium, including eight cases of ODE from home (ODEH). MAiD was provided 17,217 times (2020) in the eight countries where ODE is permitted. As of 2021, 837 patients (up to 14% of recipients of DCDD donors) had received organs from ODE. ODE raises some important ethical concerns involving patient autonomy, the link between the request for MAiD and the request to donate organs and the increased burden placed on seriously ill MAiD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Mulder
- Anesthesiology/Intensive Care Department, Isala Hospitals, Zwolle, The Netherlands.,Family Medicine Centre Dalfsen, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Sonneveld
- Anesthesiology/Intensive Care Department, Isala Hospitals, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | | | - James Downar
- Department of Critical Care, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Kim Wiebe
- Shared Health Services, Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Andrew Healey
- Intensive Care Department, William Osler Health System Hospitals, Brampton, Canada.,Trillium Gift of Life Donation, Canada
| | - Bruno Desschans
- Transplant Centre Leuven, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arne Neyrinck
- Transplant Centre Leuven, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Ingeborg van Dusseldorp
- Knowledge Institute of the Dutch Association of Medical Specialists, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Olthuis
- IQ healthcare, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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47
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Gofton TE, Norton L, Laforge G, Gibson R, Debicki D, Althenayan E, Scales N, Beinum AV, Hornby L, Shemie S, Dhanani S, Slessarev M. Cerebral cortical activity after withdrawal of life-sustaining measures in critically ill patients. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:3120-3129. [PMID: 35822321 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.17146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Establishing when cerebral cortical activity stops relative to circulatory arrest during the dying process will enhance trust in donation after circulatory determination of death. We used continuous electroencephalography and arterial blood pressure monitoring prior to withdrawal of life sustaining measures and for 30 min following circulatory arrest to explore the temporal relationship between cessation of cerebral cortical activity and circulatory arrest. Qualitative and quantitative EEG analyses were completed. Among 140 screened patients, 52 were eligible, 15 were enrolled, 11 completed the full study, and 8 (3 female, median age 68 years) were included in the analysis. Across participants, EEG activity stopped at a median of 78 (Q1 = -387, Q3 = 111) seconds before circulatory arrest. Following withdrawal of life sustaining measures there was a progressive reduction in electroencephalographic amplitude (p = .002), spectral power (p = .008), and coherence (p = .003). Prospective recording of cerebral cortical activity in imminently dying patients is feasible. Our results from this small cohort suggest that cerebral cortical activity does not persist after circulatory arrest. Confirmation of these findings in a larger multicenter study are needed to help promote stakeholder trust in donation after circulatory determination of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teneille E Gofton
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Loretta Norton
- Department of Psychology, King's University College at Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geoffrey Laforge
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raechelle Gibson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Derek Debicki
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eyad Althenayan
- Department of Medicine/Critical Care, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan Scales
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Laura Hornby
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sam Shemie
- Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Pediatric Intensive Care, McGill University Health Centre & Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sonny Dhanani
- Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marat Slessarev
- Department of Psychology, King's University College at Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine/Critical Care, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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48
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Iserson KV, Schears RM, Padela AI, Baker EF, Moskop JC. Increasing Solid Organ Donation: A Role for Emergency Physicians. J Emerg Med 2022; 63:702-708. [PMID: 36372592 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 100,000 Americans with failing organs await transplantation, mostly from dead donors. Yet only a fraction of patients declared dead by neurological criteria (DNC) become organ donors. DISCUSSION Emergency physicians (EPs) can improve solid organ donation in the following ways: providing perimortem critical care support to potential organ donors, promptly notifying organ procurement organizations (OPOs), asking neurocritical care specialists to evaluate selected emergency department patients for death based on established neurologic criteria, participating in research to advance these developments, implementing automatic OPO notification technologies, and educating the professional and lay communities about organ donation and transplantation, including exploration of opt-out (presumed consent) organ recovery policies. CONCLUSION With future improvements in organ preservation and DNC assessment, EPs may become even more involved in the donation process. EPs should support and engage in efforts to promote organ donation and transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth V Iserson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Raquel M Schears
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida
| | - Aasim I Padela
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Medical College of Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin Hub for Collaborative Medicine, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | | | - John C Moskop
- Biomedical Ethics, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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van Beinum A, Murphy N, Weijer C, Gruben V, Sarti A, Hornby L, Dhanani S, Chandler J. Family experiences with non-therapeutic research on dying patients in the intensive care unit. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2022; 48:845-851. [PMID: 34261806 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2021-107311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Experiences of substitute decision-makers with requests for consent to non-therapeutic research participation during the dying process, including to what degree such requests are perceived as burdensome, have not been well described. In this study, we explored the lived experiences of family members who consented to non-therapeutic research participation on behalf of an imminently dying patient.We interviewed 33 family members involved in surrogate research consent decisions for dying patients in intensive care. Non-therapeutic research involved continuous physiological monitoring of dying patients prior to and for 30 min following cessation of circulation. At some study centres participation involved installation of bedside computers. At one centre electroencephalogram monitoring was used with a subset of participants. Aside from additional monitoring, the research protocol did not involve deviations from usual end-of-life care.Thematic analysis of interviews suggests most family members did not perceive this minimal-risk, non-therapeutic study to affect their time with patients during the dying process, nor did they perceive research consent as an additional burden. In our analysis, consenting for participation in perimortem research offered families of the dying an opportunity to affirm the intrinsic value of patients' lives and contributions. This opportunity may be particularly important for families of patients who consented to organ donation but did not proceed to organ retrieval.Our work supports concerns that traditional models of informed consent fail to account for possible benefits and harms of perimortem research to surviving families. Further research into consent models which integrate patient and family perspectives is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda van Beinum
- Critical Care Research, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Sociology and Anthropology, Carleton University Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nick Murphy
- Philosophy, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charles Weijer
- Philosophy, Western University Faculty of Arts and Humanities, London, Ontario, Canada
- Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vanessa Gruben
- Common Law, University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aimee Sarti
- Medicine, Ottawa Hospital General Campus, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Critical Care Medicine, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Hornby
- Critical Care Research, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Deceased Donation, Canadian Blood Services Organ Donation and Transplantation, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sonny Dhanani
- Critical Care Research, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Chandler
- Common Law, University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Medicine, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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50
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Normothermic Regional Perfusion Provides a Great Opportunity to Maximize Organ Procurement in Donation After the Circulatory Determination of Death. Crit Care Med 2022; 50:1649-1653. [PMID: 36227033 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000005645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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