An apparent stoppage of organ function because the heart and the brain have stopped functioning does not mean immediate organ death.
Organs are suitable for donation for up to 60 minutes after brain death. After that time the organs have become too ischemic to be suitable for donation.
The brain usually dies first because it is very sensitive to ischemia. Brain death begins within the first 180 seconds of oxygen deprivation. Thoracic organs will still be useful for donation 60 minutes thereafter.
For death due to hypotension, say from bleeding following an accident, organs can be harvested for donation 30 minutes after exsanguination.
Comments