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Work group defines 'unplanned DCD pause' and clarifies when reporting is required
Summary
The proposed DCD policy introduces an explicit definition of an 'unplanned DCD pause' (an unresolved difference of opinion about withdrawal criteria) and standardizes reporting and timing rules, including a 5-minute minimum waiting period and a requirement to notify OPTN within set windows.
The work group proposed defining an "unplanned DCD pause" as an unexpected suspension of the DCD process triggered by an unresolved difference of opinion about whether a patient meets the donor hospital's criteria for withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy. "An unplanned DCD pause is not intended to address issues or questions related to authorization for donation," PJ Garrity said, stressing that the term "unresolved" is the central qualifier.
The policy also standardizes that, except in specified circumstances (for example, brain-dead donors using DCD protocols), organ recovery should not begin until at least five minutes after circulatory cessation. The proposal clarifies reporting: OPOs must notify the OPTN of the pause within 72 hours of initiation or within 24 hours of the pause's resolution, whichever occurs first. PJ illustrated the windows with an example of clock times to make the timelines concrete for auditors and members.
