Management of the Brain-Dead Organ Donor: Perspectives of the Transplant Coordinator

Abstract

The Organ Procurement Coordinator (OPC) is one of several key individuals who enable organ procurement to proceed to organ transplantation. This is a diverse position with significant responsibilities. This chapter summarizes the numerous responsibilities of the OPC from notification of a potential donor through organ procurement and follow-up posttransplantation, including evaluation of the donor’s suitability for donation, approach to the family for authorization for donation, management of the medical care of the donor to maintain organ viability, placement of the organs with potential recipient centers, and coordination of the surgical procedures to excise the organs.