Cardiac death vs brain death organ donations

Transplantation raises some unique ethical questions. This is an article that discusses the issues concerning the harvesting of organs from those who are not clinically 'brain dead', but who have experienced "cardiac death". If this practice becomes more accepted, many more organs could become available for tp. This has resulted in a debate about the morality,or ethics, of such a procedure. There was a thread not long ago about living donor transplant (LDT) .  When LDT  first started to be practiced the procedure raised some serious ethical questions of its own. As a physician you swear to "first, do no harm". But cutting into a perfectly healthy body (the donor's) and subjecting it to the perils of major surgery is against that dictum and caused an ethical debate that has since died down somewhat as the operation has become more widespread and accepted.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gpjQzpmgV8qVEhenwPocZ90NQO8gD92I8TC00

[geterdone]

Does this have any relevance here on this side of the forum and is it related to HCV?

jasper

[Mr Liver]

yes and yes--in case you are not aware HCV is the leading cause for liver transplantation.10% of those waiting for a liver will die on the list. The shortage of issue Itis an important issue among the HCV community as a result. The article spoke for itself. Which side would you rather see it on ?

[Xenigma]

""As a physician you swear to "first, do no harm". But cutting into a perfectly healthy body (the donor's) and subjecting it to the perils of major surgery is against that dictum and caused an ethical debate that has since died down somewhat as the operation has become more widespread and accepted.""

Dr.'s cut into people all the time when not medically necessary-that's how they make money!!  Patients asking for elective surgery. (especially plastic surgery)

A living donor tp is the most wonderful thing any human being can do for another who needs it. You don't just take a section of the liver without the donors approval and
signed consent.

Now for the time-line of cardiac death, that's another matter of which I don't have anything good to say.  It was always thought that if your drivers license said "organ donor" that they would not try as hard to revive you.
Maybe all donors who are concerned should get a tattoo with "DNR after 10 minutes" on their chest. (or whatever time frame they desire)  Maybe it's between the Dr. and God when to stop trying.
Heck I dunno, interesting though..

[jmjm530]

"..If this practice becomes more accepted, many more organs could become available for tp..
----------
Assuming that this is cancelled out by fewer people willing to become donors. I don't trust doctors and hospitals when I'm conscious, that trust would be a lot less when I'm unable to have a say in the matter.

[jmjm530]

should have read in part: ..".Assuming that this is NOT cancelled out..."

[geterdone]

My thought would have been the Transplant Forum that is why it was set up I think, where it could be discussed in more detail by those more interested in the ethics other than giving the actual donation but that’s just me.

jasper

[Mr Liver]

To tell the truth I've never visited that forum before. So I wandered on over and I have to agree with you; it's a good place to post this article, also. Thanks for the heads up.
ML

[GGraphix]

Adult to adult transplants is possible at 60% of donated liver and chidren need just 20% of adult liver. In the case of brain dead LDT why not keep donor alive. As the liver regenerates you could have perpetual donors. Ethics shmethics.

      - Dr. Frank Enstein -

P.S.- Mr Liver what moniker would you use if this was the Erectile Dysfuntion Community.

[Marcia2202]

1st part macabre

2nd part mean, but funny... ROFL

[GGraphix]

Macabe? Maybe it is, I was just hoping to find a job for my ex-brother inlaw.

[Marcia2202]

LOL... Is he that bad???

[Mr Liver]

"Mr Liver what moniker would you use if this was the Erectile Dysfuntion Community."

That's somewhere I don't have a necessity to go to. You ?

[GGraphix]

Low blow, hitting below the belt, ect.
   I was just funnin but it was at your expense and I apologize. You, I believe, are one of the more knowledgeable people on this site and I look to your posts to my and others questions as the more definitive answer.
       ---George--
  As for your question about my health, things are looking up and thanks for your concern and asking. I would have to wonder of the relevance of this question on this forum. Maybe a new thread could be started elsewhere.  

[desrt]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jigsaw_Man

[GGraphix]

Apologize for my apology and walking over your post in the first place with an insult and attempts at humour. Your original post raises serious issues and should be treated as such. Trying not to sound like a kiss as* and less of a smart as*  your answers have been more informative than my doctors and a lot less expensive. Sorry and thanks.
       --George--

[Mr Liver]

Thanks for your post and apology. I accept it and don't think the issue is now worth any more time on either of our parts. If bad judgement was a crime I'd be behind bars, so I can't say much about that.
Mr Liver