Organ donation after circulatory death in Denmark

Abstract

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) is practiced in several countries to increase the number of organs for transplantation. This review summarises the key points in a new protocol which will introduce controlled DCD in Denmark as an option in seriously ill patients, in whom death is inevitable and the criteria for brain death is not met. It includes a no touch period of five minutes following circulatory arrest. Rapid procurement or normothermic regional perfusion may be applied depending on the organs to be transplanted. The introduction of DCD requires thorough training of involved health personnel.