Chapter 49: Deceased Donor Procurement

After the brain-dead donor has been correctly identified and all other requirements fulfilled as per the corresponding protocols, a midline incision from the neck to pubis is undertaken. Retractors are used to achieve complete exposure of the chest and abdomen.

The distal aorta (yellow arrow) and common iliac arteries (white arrows) are exposed. Umbilical tapes (gray arrows) are placed proximally and distally. Early identification and access is useful in cases of surgical emergencies that require immediate cannulation and perfusion.

Alternatively, the aorta (yellow arrow) can also be dissected just proximal to its bifurcation into right and left common iliac arteries.

The aorta (yellow arrow) has been dissected and an umbilical tape (gray arrow) placed around it. Irrespective of the approach chosen, care should be taken not to injure the lumbar branches or inferior mesenteric artery, since bleeding from these sites can be difficult to control and can impede adequate visualization.

The inferior mesenteric vein (blue arrow) is identified. Ties are placed proximally and distally. Alternatively, in donors where the pancreas and/or small intestine is/are not procured, the superior mesenteric vein can be dissected at the root of the small bowel mesentery and used for perfusion.

Inferior mesenteric vein (blue arrow).

After the inferior mesenteric vein (blue arrow) is dissected for future cannulation, ties are placed proximally and distally around it. Alternatively, in donors where the pancreas and/or small intestine is/are not procured, the superior mesenteric vein can be dissected at the root of the small bowel mesentery and used for perfusion.