2 California surgeons -alleged attempt to hasten cardiac death/potential organ donor.

[Guest guest]

Release Date:

02/28/2007

Memorandum Addresses DCD investigation

Subject:

Reports of DCD investigation

News

reports have disclosed ongoing state and local investigations of two San

Francisco-area surgeons and staff at a hospital in San

Obispo, Calif. The investigations concern an alleged attempt to hasten

cardiac death of a potential organ donor. The reports

state that the potential donor did not expire in the operating room, and that

he was returned to the ICU where he died several hours later.

We

caution everyone that the investigations are continuing, and that the parties

involved are entitled to a presumption of innocence. However,

everyone in the transplant community must share in the concern over this

development. We must also share in a commitment to

prevent any action or attempted action that could compromise patient care.

We are

not in a position to participate in or comment about potential criminal or

professional investigations. The OPTN's

authority under federal regulation and OPTN bylaws and policies extends to its

member institutions, not over individual medical professionals. The OPTN/UNOS Membership and Professional Standards

Committee (MPSC) conducted a peer review of the member organ procurement

organization (OPO) activities in this instance. This

review resulted in a letter of reprimand for the OPO's failure to follow its

established protocol for recovery of a donor after cardiac death (DCD). The MPSC is continuing to monitor the OPO's adherence to a

corrective action plan that provides for improved DCD processes and procedures

as well as extensive professional training regarding DCD recovery.

Barb in Texas - Together in the Fight, Whatever it Takes!

Son Ken (32) UC 91 - PSC 99 Listed 7/21 @ Baylor Dallas