brainstem death

In medicine, criterion for determining that ‘death’ has occurred when brain damage results in the irreversible loss of brain function, including that of the brainstem (which is important in the control of many processes which are essential to life, such as respiration and heart rate), so that the individual is unable to live without the aid of a ventilator. Many countries allow artificial ventilation to be stopped once brainstem death has been determined.

Artificial ventilation and heart beat are maintained after brainstem death has been established if organs are to be removed for use in transplantation procedures. This ensures that the organs are in the best condition for transplantation.