Organ Retrieval Logistics

Abstract

Considerable variation exists in organ donation rates and deceased donor transplantation rates in countries of similar socioeconomic status, religious and cultural heritage and legislative framework. This fact testifies to the important role of logistics in the success of organ transplantation. This chapter deals with logistical issues surrounding donation from deceased organ donors and the logistics of the organ retrieval process. Diagnosis of death, donation after brainstem death (DBD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD) are discussed. The legal framework governing deceased organ donation is then covered, outlining the two contrasting approaches of opting-in and opting-out type laws. The central section of the chapter focuses in detail on the three interrelated components of a successful organ retrieval effort; namely the donor coordinators, the retrieval team and the transplant units. Finally, the selection of patients for organ transplantation and the allocation of deceased donor organs for transplantation are briefly discussed. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd..