Experimenting with Large Mammalian Brains Ex Vivo
Channel: HMS Center for Bioethics
Date: 2021-04-05

Dr. Nenad Sestan and colleagues have developed an artificial perfusion system that can restore many key cellular functions and preserve anatomical structures in pig brains several hours after death. Their work challenges the long-held assumption that large mammalian brains are irreversibly damaged just minutes after circulation ceases. It also raises the possibility that researchers and doctors can get better at salvaging a person's brain even after the heart and lungs have stopped working for a long period of time.

In this session on March 19, 2021, Dr. Sestan explains how this revolutionary brain perfusion system, called BrainEx, works and the possibilities he sees for this technology in the future. Dr. Robert Truog, Director of the HMS Center for Bioethics, considers the ethical implications of Dr. Sestan's work for human brain resuscitation and the concept of brain death. Questions from the audience and an interactive discussion moderated by Dr. Insoo Hyun follow the presentation.

Learn more about the Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics at bioethics.hms.harvard.edu