Challenges in Brain Death Determination and Apnea Testing for Patients with COVID-19.

Abstract

Introduction: Apnea testing remains essential for the clinical evaluation of brain death determination. In patients who test positive for SARS-CoV-2, disconnecting the patient from the ventilator and introducing high flow oxygen into the endotracheal tube increases the risk for aerosolization of airway secretions and exposure of the examiner.

Methods: Case report of a patient with an intracerebral hemorrhage that evolved to significant cerebral edema and herniation, who underwent apnea test using a method involving a t-piece and an HME filter.

Results: Patient successfully pronounced brain dead using a safe method to minimize exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion: At a time where healthcare workers are at high risk of exposure to COVID-19, the above described method is a safe process for apnea testing in declaration of brain death.