Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Pre-clinical Model of Cardiac Donation after Circulatory Death
Published on: August 2, 2019
Death caused by cardioinhibitory reflex: what experts believe
Bettina Schrag1, Patrice Mangin, Paul Vaucher
1University Centre of Legal Medicine,Western Switzerland, Geneva-Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland. bettina.schrag@hcuge.ch
Abstract:
The danger of neck compression without restriction of the arterial flow remains unresolved in forensic medicine. There is an ongoing debate concerning life endangerment due to the cardioinhibitory reflex. The aim of this study was to determine what forensic medical experts believe and how they deal with this reflex. An anonymous electronic questionnaire was sent to 1429 forensic medical experts all over the world. We asked them about their opinion on the cardioinhibitory reflex, its role in causing death, and what their diagnostic criteria were.A total of 182 questionnaires were returned. The experts who answered were from 32 different countries. Our survey showed that 80.2% of experts believe that the cardioinhibitory reflex can theoretically cause death. In the practical application opinions diverge though. Apparently, the practical application mainly depends on the habit of the individual expert. We observed no consensus on the diagnostic criteria to be used. Given the potentially frequent use of the concept of the cardioinhibitory reflex in forensic practice and its judicial impact it would be important to reach a consensus.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cellular Injury IV: Necrosis
Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents

