Carbogen:  A Safe and Effective Method for Apnea Testing to Declare Brain Death (original) (raw)

Abstract

Objective In addition to a clinical exam, apnea testing is critical for confirmation of cessation of neurologic function [brain death]. However, traditional apnea exams place clinicians in a difficult position where maintaining oxygenation and hemodynamic stability in patients who are typically unstable have been associated with adverse events such as hypoxia, hypotension, pneumothorax, arrhythmias, derecruitment, and even cardiac death. The purpose of this retrospective case series was to assess whether apnea testing using carbogen was a safe, reliable alternative. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted of brain death exams and apnea tests performed for brain death determination in a university hospital and trauma center. Apnea tests were completed either using the “Traditional Method” (TM) by removing the patient from the ventilator and assessed for presence of spontaneous breathing by movement of the chest wall or the “Carbogen Method” (CM) where patients remain on th...

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