The brainstem is not needed to sustain the heart beat and blood pressure. It participates in its regulation, but both parameters have "sane defaults" without an

The brainstem is not needed to sustain the heart beat and blood pressure. It participates in its regulation, but both parameters have "sane defaults" without any input. Furthermore, while necessary, the brainstem is not sufficient to sustain consciousness. Third, phenobarbital at a sufficient dose completely wipes electric brain activity (metabloism goes on, at a lower pace). Fourth, even if you suspend someone using the procedure described in the article, there is still residual biologic activity in the cells. Chemical reactions are slowed down, but not stopped.