Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD)

Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) refers to the process of organ donation that occurs after a person's heart stops beating and circulation ceases. In this scenario, medical professionals first determine that a patient is not going to recover, typically in cases of severe illness or injury. After legal criteria are met, and once the patient's family consents, the medical team allows for a respectful waiting period. When death is confirmed, organs can be retrieved for transplant, offering a chance for life to others. DCD is an important approach to increasing available organs for those in need.