Nonbeating

Nonbeating is an adjective describing the absence of a heartbeat or of mechanical cardiac activity. In medical usage, it denotes a heart that is not actively pumping blood, either temporarily during procedures or as part of a pathological state.

Clinically, nonbeating heart implies a loss of effective cardiac function. In cardiac arrest, there may be no detectable pulse and little to no mechanical contraction of the heart. Conditions such as asystole refer to a flat or nearly flat electrical tracing with no organized heartbeat, while pulseless electrical activity describes electrical rhythm without resulting mechanical beats. Management of nonbeating states typically involves standardized resuscitation protocols, rapid assessment of reversible causes, and decisions about continuing or terminating life-sustaining measures.

In cardiac surgery, a nonbeating heart is often intentional. Surgeons may induce cardioplegic arrest to stop and protect the heart during procedures, providing a still field for precise repair or replacement. The heart is later restarted and typically resumes beating after restoration of blood flow and reversal of the arrest.

In the field of organ donation, nonbeating donation refers to donation after circulatory death (DCD). When circulation ceases following withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy, organs may be recovered within protocols designed to preserve viability. The concept underscores the distinction between death based on circulatory criteria and that defined by neurological criteria, and it raises specific ethical and logistical considerations for organ procurement.

See also: cardiac arrest, asystole, pulseless electrical activity, cardioplegia, organ donation.