Zusammenfassung
In den letzten Jahren hat die Diagnose des irreversiblen Hirnfunktionsausfalls bei
schwer hirngeschädigten Patienten an Bedeutung gewonnen. Der Hirntod, definiert als
nicht behebbarer Ausfall der Gesamtfunktion des Großhirns, des Kleinhirns und des
Hirnstamms, ist Voraussetzung zur Organentnahme im Rahmen einer Organspende. Der Artikel
stellt die gesetzlichen und organisatorischen Rahmenbedingungen vor.
Abstract
In recent years, the diagnosis of irreversible brain function loss in severely brain-damaged
patients has gained in importance. Brain death, defined as an irreversible loss of
the overall function of the cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem, is a prerequisite
for organ removal in the context of organ donation. The article presents the legal
and organizational framework.
Brain death is determined on the basis of the latest update of the guidelines of the
German Medical Chamber (Bundesärztekammer) using a three-step scheme and consists
of clinical and instrumental examinations. After the final diagnosis of brain death,
the phase of organ-preserving treatment for the potential organ donor begins. In the
case of patients who themselves or their relatives have not agreed to organ donation,
the intensive care therapy must be terminated promptly. The legal framework for the
determination of brain death and for the removal of organs from potential organ donors
is provided by the Transplantation Act. The German Foundation for Organ Transplantation
(DSO) is responsible for the coordination of organ donations in Germany. The DSO supports
hospitals in many ways during the organ donation process, but also in training courses
for medical staff on organ donation. The main contact person of the DSO is the transplant
officer in the hospitals. The care
of the relatives of a potential organ donor is of great importance
Schlüsselwörter
Transplantationsmedizin - Hirnfunktionsausfall - Organtransplantation - irreversibler
Hirnfunktionsausfall - DSO - Deutsche Stiftung Organspende
Key words
transplantation medicine - brain function failure - organ transplantation - irreversible
brain function failure - German Foundation for Organ Transplantation - DSO
