Beyond the Destination LVAD

There are many forms of life sustaining treatment available to patients thanks to advances in medical technology. When a person’s physiology weakens or fails, devices may be attached or implanted to take over for organs that can no longer bear the workload of processing, moving, or taking in the elements needed to keep a body alive. Conceptually, this is appealing to a society that is as averse to death as are those of us here in the US. But we still struggle to accommodate the range of needs that crop up when function is compromised. As an ethicist, the general trend in my work suggests that the more advanced the technology, the more questions it raises when it comes time to talk about halting the mechanical support. Among the more advanced tools for sustaining physiological function is the Left Ventricular Assist Device, or LVAD, which maintains the circulatory function for persons with severe heart failure. There is little doubt that individuals who are eligible for the device can experience remarkable quality of life gains whether they move on to receive a heart transplant or receive the implant as a destination treatment. Recipients of LVADs can typically return to their daily activities, and enjoy a level of independence not previously possible for persons with otherwise lethal heart conditions. However, these patients are not just like everyone else when complications arise. Decisions about how best to manage long term care for persons who have LVADs can be unex...
Source: blog.bioethics.net - Category: Medical Ethics Authors: Tags: Health Care Informed Consent Justice decision making LVAD syndicated Source Type: blogs