Abstract
This article reviews some of the complex ethical issues that accompany the diffusion of ventricular assist devices (VADs) for heart failure patients, with a particular emphasis on issues unique to older adults. In doing so, the ethical issues are centered on three decision points: (a) patient selection; (b) informed consent (i.e., initiation of the device); and (c) end of life (i.e., deactivation of the device.) It is contended that, with the technological improvements in heart failure treatments and new indications, the decision making process for VAD placement and deactivation has become more clinically and ethically challenging, particularly for older adults. Areas for potential future research are identified.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 100-112 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Aging and Disease |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 2 |
State | Published - 2013 |
Keywords
- Ethics
- Mechanical support
- Older adults
- Ventricular assist devices
- haseart failure
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Clinical Neurology
- Cell Biology