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Is It Possible To Keep Someone Breathing For Long Time After Death?

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Posted on Tue, 22 Jul 2014
Question: I am researching end of life issues for my living will. I want to know about breathing and what kind of equipment is used to keep someone breathing. can you specify that you want the machines turned off when all other systems have failed? Can that be determined ?
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Answered by Dr. Rohit Gulati (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes, it is possible

Detailed Answer:
Yes. It is possible to keep someone breathing for long time after death also through ventilator. But it does not serve any purpose in the absence of other organs not working.

Yes there are various tests to find when other organs have stopped working and when is the machine to be disconnected. But I am sorry that it is beyond the scope of this website to discuss & explain all the procedures. Moreover those parameters are difficult to explain in a language which you will understand.

If you have any more specific concerns, please feel free to write it here.

Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Rohit Gulati

Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 252 Questions

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Is It Possible To Keep Someone Breathing For Long Time After Death?

Brief Answer: yes, it is possible Detailed Answer: Yes. It is possible to keep someone breathing for long time after death also through ventilator. But it does not serve any purpose in the absence of other organs not working. Yes there are various tests to find when other organs have stopped working and when is the machine to be disconnected. But I am sorry that it is beyond the scope of this website to discuss & explain all the procedures. Moreover those parameters are difficult to explain in a language which you will understand. If you have any more specific concerns, please feel free to write it here. Regards