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Ethical Considerations for Ventricular Assist Device Support: A 10-Point Model.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21642842     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The potential for long-term support on a ventricular assist device (VAD) in the bridge-to-transplant (BTT) and destination therapy (DT) settings has created unprecedented ethical challenges for patients and caregivers. Concerns include the patient's adaptation to life on a device and the ethical, clinical, and practical issues associated with living on mechanical support. On the basis of our experience treating 175 consecutive VAD patients, we have developed a model to address the ethical and psychosocial needs of patients undergoing VAD implantation. Patient preparation for VAD implantation encompasses three phases: 1) initial information regarding the physical events involved in implantation, risks and benefits of current device technology, and the use of VAD as a rescue device; 2) preimplant preparation including completion of advance directives specific to BTT/DT, competency determination, and identifying a patient spokesperson, multidisciplinary consultants, and cultural preferences regarding device withdrawal; and 3) VAD-specific end-of-life issues including plans for device replacement and palliative care with hospice or device withdrawal. This three-phase 10-point model addresses the ethical and psychosocial issues that should be discussed with patients undergoing VAD support.
Authors:
Ralph J Petrucci; Lynne A Benish; Barbara L Carrow; Lisa Prato; Shelley R Hankins; Howard J Eisen; John W Entwistle
Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2011-6-2
Journal Detail:
Title:  ASAIO journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)     Volume:  -     ISSN:  1538-943X     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2011 Jun 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-6-6     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9204109     Medline TA:  ASAIO J     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  -     Citation Subset:  -    
Affiliation:
From the *Department of Psychiatry, Drexel University College of Medicine/Hahnemann University Hospital; †Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; ‡Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, California; §The Cardiac Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; ¶ Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, and ∥Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine/Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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