Man declared brain dead wakes up while organs were being harvested

The incident in the US state of Kentucky has raised questions about the reliability of protocols used in organ donation systems. Whistleblower Nyckoletta Martin brought the incident to light during a hearing on the organ donation and transplant system held by the US House Energy and Commerce Committee in September.

According to the science website Science Alert, citing the US national broadcaster NPR (National Public Radio), these notes recorded that the donor showed signs of life during a clinical test performed prior to a heart transplant. In her statement to NPR, Martin said, "The donor had woken up during the procedure performed that morning for cardiac catheterization and was moving on the table."

36-year-old Anthony Thomas 'TJ' Hoover II had suffered a heart attack after being brought to Baptist Health Hospital in Richmond, Kentucky, due to an overdose, and was declared brain dead. After being taken off life support, preparations were made for his organs to be donated.

However, TJ's sister, Donna Rhorer, stated that she saw her brother's eyes open and look around while he was being taken to the operating room. Rhorer stated that hospital staff described this situation as a "common reflex."

Following this, when TJ began making more exaggerated movements on the operating table and was "visibly crying," there was great astonishment in the operating room. According to NPR's report, surgeons decided to stop the operation in the face of this situation.

Organ preservationist Natasha Miller said in her statement to NPR, "The surgeon performing the operation said, 'I'm out, I don't want to have anything to do with this.'" Miller stated that chaos reigned in the operating room and everyone was deeply distressed.

BRAIN DEATH PROTOCOLS OPENED TO DEBATE

The possibility of errors occurring, as in this case, has caused public concern, while issues such as inequalities in donations, long waiting times, and the waste of donated organs have also been among the criticisms directed at existing networks.

News Source: 12punto