Eight cases of brain-dead organ donation at Hamamatsu Medical Center

Abstract

In recent years, brain-dead organ donation has been increasing in Japan, but the number is still extremely low compared to Western countries. To date, we have encountered 8 brain-dead organ donation cases at Hamamatsu Medical Center. To enhance brain-dead organ donation, it is important to develop a sustainable system for the organ donation process rather than employ a temporary approach for an individual case. From this point of view, we intended to share many roles with many doctors and staffs in order to escape excess burden to particular persons. Additionally, we adjusted the schedule of brain death determination and organ donations in order not to disturb routine hospital functions. However, some staffs still took on the heavy burden during these processes. And some problems related to privacy protection appeared. These efforts clarified the importance to share the knowledge accumulated through such experiences.