How do people actually die of a single organ failing?

Question

With reference to Archie Battersbee case, the boy is essentially dead, with his life supported by machines keeping him alive. How do people then die in hospital from much less smaller problems, let’s say liver failure or kindey failure or pancreatitis. Why can’t we plug them to a machine that acts like the failing organ keeping them alive until they can get a donor?

In: 3

Answer 1

It’s extremely stressful to the body to be on one of those machines. The machine might keep you alive, but it’s not the same as a real organ. Plus the chance of stroke/infection is much greater when on one of those machines.