Q: What is Maastricht classification?

Answer: Non-heart beating donors (NHBDs) are grouped into 5 categories by the Maastricht classification, and divided into controlled and uncontrolled

• I - Brought in dead - uncontrolled 
• II - Unsuccessful resuscitation - uncontrolled
• III - Awaiting cardiac arrest - controlled 
• IV - Cardiac arrest after brain-stem death - uncontrolled 
• V - Cardiac arrest in a hospital inpatient - uncontrolled

Categories helped in determining which organs should be procured e.g., only tissues such as heart valves, skin and corneas can be taken from category I donors, but category III donors may have major organs retrieved after cardiac arrest under more controlled and specialized professionals. 


References:

1. Kootstra, G.; Daemen, J.H.; Oomen, A.P. (1995), "Categories of non-heart-beating donors.", Transplantation proceedings, 27 (5): 2893–4