Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
05:03
Brain Death Induction in Mice Using Intra-Arterial Blood Pressure Monitoring and Ventilation via Tracheostomy
Published on: April 17, 2020
Ventilator autotriggering: a caution in brain death diagnosis
Rebecca Dodd-Sullivan1, Jamie Quirin, John Newhart
1University of California, San Diego, 3465 Camino del Rio, Ste. 410, San Diego, CA 92108, USA. rdoddsullivan@ucsd.edu
Progress in Transplantation (Aliso Viejo, Calif.)
|July 9, 2011
Summary
Ventilator autotriggering can delay brain death testing for organ donation. Understanding this phenomenon prevents confusion with brainstem respiratory effort, ensuring timely organ procurement.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- The Uniform Determination of Death Act and American Academy of Neurology guidelines outline brain death diagnosis for organ procurement.
- Clinical assessment and apnea testing are crucial components of brain death determination.
- Mechanical ventilators can exhibit autotriggering, a phenomenon observed in both brain dead and living patients.
Observation:
- A specific case is presented where ventilator self-cycling mimicked respiratory effort.
- This misinterpretation led to a delay in the organ procurement process.
- The patient was brain dead, but the ventilator's behavior suggested otherwise.
Findings:
- Ventilator autotriggering can be mistaken for spontaneous respiratory effort mediated by the brainstem.
- This confusion can lead to unnecessary delays in confirming brain death.
- Troubleshooting knowledge for ventilator self-cycling is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Implications:
- Avoiding confusion between ventilator autotriggering and brainstem respiratory effort is critical.
- Proper understanding can prevent delays in organ procurement for transplantation.
- Ensuring accurate brain death testing facilitates timely organ donation and transplantation.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...
01:23Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Ventilators are essential medical equipment used to aid patients with respiratory difficulties. Their primary function is to assist or replace spontaneous breathing by providing mechanical ventilation. There are two general classes of mechanical ventilators: negative-pressure and positive-pressure ventilators.
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
01:23Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) are essential methods in respiratory care. These ventilation techniques offer unique benefits for patients with various respiratory conditions, providing adequate support without requiring intubation. Let's explore how each method is crucial in improving patient outcomes and enhancing respiratory therapy.
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
01:14Ventilatory Modes
Mechanical ventilators are life-saving devices that support or replace spontaneous breathing. They deliver breaths to patients through varying methods known as ventilator modes. Understanding these modes is critical for healthcare providers managing patients with respiratory failure.
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
01:30Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Hypercapnic respiratory failure, also known as Type 2 or ventilatory respiratory failure, is a severe condition characterized by the body's inability to effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream. It leads to an arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2) exceeding 45 mmHg and a blood pH above 7.35. This situation indicates that the body's ventilatory demand, or the ventilation needed to maintain normal PaCO2 levels, surpasses its supply or the maximum gas flow achievable without causing...
01:22Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...