[Feasibility of ultrasonic procedures in the diagnosis of brain death (clinico-experimental study)]

For estimating the vital capacity of the brain in critical situations use was made of a set of non-invasive, rapid, and economic diagnostic methods including echoencephalography, echo-pulsography of the ventricular system and the major arteries of the brain, the time motion method and dopplerography. Clinical and experimental studies were carried out on 15 animals and 70 patients who were in the state of cerebral or extracerebral coma of the IInd--IVth degree. Some parameters have been obtained which can be used as prognostic criteria for deciding on the desirability of continuing the resuscitation measures.