The Difference Between Brain Death and DCD

Donation after circulatory death (DCD)

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) is defined as organ donation in patients who do not meet brain death criteria and are anticipated to reach asystole within 120 minutes of removal of ventilatory support. This timeframe may be extended in specific cases. DCD can only occur after a family has made a firm decision to withdraw mechanical and pharmacological support. These donor heroes will remain at the hospital to recover organs for transplant.

More about DCD:

• Prior to shifting to comfort care, MTN will assess potential for organ donation.

• If the patient is eligible for organ donation, MTN will collaborate with the hospital care team to determine next steps for the organ donation discussion with the patient’s family.

• Following authorization for DCD, the hospital’s attending physician will continue direct care for the patient while collaborating with MTN.

• If the patient expires within necessary timeframes after the ventilator is removed, recovery of organs for transplant will occur after pronouncement of circulatory standstill.

• DCD is less common than donation after brain death, occurring in about 32% of MTN’s organ donors.