[Fourth update of the guidelines on determination of irreversible brain death. Procedural course and amendments]

In 2015 the fourth update of the directive for the determination of definitely irreversible loss of complete function of the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem was passed and came into force. This was preceded by several hearings of all professional societies and associations involved as well as a 2-year advisory process of an interdisciplinary working party. The directive is intended to determine irreversible brain death in the field of intensive care medicine and is independent of individual decisions about organ donation. Not only an update based on scientific data but also a clarification of the several procedures and a clear definition of the medical qualifications required were worked out. Furthermore, the technical procedures computed tomography (CT) angiography and duplex sonography were adopted for the diagnosis of cerebral circulatory arrest. The new directive including comprehensive explanatory notes was approved by the German Federal Ministry of Health and published by the German Medical Council (Bundesärztekammer).