Abstract

Organ transplantation is a vital procedure for the replacement of organs in irreversible failure. In Chile, the average number of donors is much lower than in countries where the donation process is consolidated. When considering the shortage of organs available for transplantation, it seems essential to provide the tools that allow early screening and the appropriate management of the potential donor (PD). The PD is that patient with a score on the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) equal to or less than 7, with severe neurological damage, and in whom encephalic death hos already been adequately diagnosed. Goal oriented management of the PD is associated with an increase number of organs donated and a better function in the recipient. In this way, the proper management of each PD system includes, among others, the hemodynamic support that ensures tissue perfusion and avoids positive fluid balances, as well as the adequate selection of vasoactive support, the implementation of protective mechanical ventilation and early treatment of lung infections or injuries, and control of temperature and internal homeostasis (glycemia, electrolytes and eventually hormone replacement). Donation involves education of health teams involved, to the recipient, but particularly the entire potential donor society in the fact that brain and brainstem death is irreversible, and that inevitably leads to the cessation of the remaining organic functions.