It also depends on the cause of brain death. One way brain death is defined is loss of cortical brain activity as shown with an electroencephalogram (EEG). IIRC, if the damage is located so that there is no higher activity, e.g. isolated head injury, but 'primitive' activity remains, there may even be spontaneous breathing as well as heartbeat. This generally excludes donation of organs though. If damage is severe, the lower functions will tend to deteriorate at some point.
There are anti-coagulants, such as heparin, although you don't want uncontrolled bleeding during an operation, either. Some hand surgeons like hirudin, too. This is the substance blood-sucking leeches secrete so the blood doesn't coagulate during a meal. Just apply leeches, and no clots!
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It also depends on the cause of brain death. One way brain death is defined is loss of cortical brain activity as shown with an electroencephalogram (EEG). IIRC, if the damage is located so that there is no higher activity, e.g. isolated head injury, but 'primitive' activity remains, there may even be spontaneous breathing as well as heartbeat. This generally excludes donation of organs though. If damage is severe, the lower functions will tend to deteriorate at some point.
There are anti-coagulants, such as heparin, although you don't want uncontrolled bleeding during an operation, either. Some hand surgeons like hirudin, too. This is the substance blood-sucking leeches secrete so the blood doesn't coagulate during a meal. Just apply leeches, and no clots!