Specific family refusal to donate blood vessels for transplantation

Cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of death worldwide in recent years. Therefore, blood vessel transplantation is an alternative to reduce complications and deaths resulting from cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this study aims to analyze specific family refusal to donate blood vessels for transplantation in an Organ Procurement Organization. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in accordance with Family Authorization for Organ and Tissue Donation Terms of patients diagnosed with brain death by an Organ Procurement Organization in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The variables analyzed were sex, age, cause of death, hospital institution and refusal to donate blood vessels. Descriptive and inferential data analysis was performed. Of 2,447 donors, 37.71% refused to donate vessels, influenced by sex, age group of 41-59 years, traumatic brain injury as the cause of death and public hospitals. Refusal varied with age, as it decreased up to 11 years and increased after 60 years. From 2001 to 2020, refusal decreased by 57%, 64%, 68% and 69% for the age groups of 12-19 years, 20-40 years, 41-59 years and 60 years and over, respectively. Donors from public institutions were 18% less likely to refuse donation. Refusal to donate blood vessels for transplantation was associated with all variables analyzed. More research is needed to support strategies that reduce the rejection of these tissues.