Autoresuscitation

Spontaneous restoration of heart function after the heart has stopped beating.

Cannula, cannulae

Silastic (plastic) tubes inserted into large blood vessels (e.g. in the groin) for the administration of fluids or the withdrawal of blood.

Cannulation

Placement of cannulae. The blood vessel is entered with a large needle; the needle is used as a guide for the insertion of the silastic tubing and then withdrawn. The cannula is taped or sutured in place.

Cold perfusion

A method for preserving organs in the body (in situ) before they are removed but after death has occurred. Cold preservative solution is infused into the large vessels and blood is drained out.

Heparin

A medication that prevents the blood from clotting. Heparin is used in organ donation to keep the large vessels open and to maximize blood flow to the organs.

Ischemia

Lack of oxygen to the organs and tissues. Warm ischemia occurs when the heart and lungs are functioning but are not adequate to oxygenate blood and deliver it to the organs and tissues. It continues after cardiopulmonary function ceases, until the organs are removed or preserved in situ. At this point, cold ischemia occurs until the organs are transplanted and circulation is restored.