Since the introduction of implantable cardiac pacemakers in 1958 and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in 1980, these devices have been proven to save and prolong lives. Pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy are deemed life-sustaining therapies. Despite these life-saving technologies, all patients ultimately will reach the end of their lives from either their heart disease or development of a terminal illness. Clinicians may be faced with patient and family requests to withdraw these life-sustaining therapies. The purpose of this article is to educate clinicians about the legal and ethical principles that underlie withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies such as device deactivation and to highlight the importance of proactive communication with patients and families in these situations.
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1 October 2015
Symposium Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices|
October 01 2015
Considerations in Patients With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices at End of Life
Melanie T. Gura, RN, MSN, CNS, CCDS
Melanie T. Gura, RN, MSN, CNS, CCDS
Melanie T. Gura is Director, Pacemaker & Arrhythmia Services, Northeast Ohio Cardiovascular Specialists, Towbridge Dr, Hudson, OH 44236 (meltg@aol.com).
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AACN Adv Crit Care (2015) 26 (4): 356–363.
Citation
Melanie T. Gura; Considerations in Patients With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices at End of Life. AACN Adv Crit Care 1 October 2015; 26 (4): 356–363. doi: https://doi.org/10.4037/NCI.0000000000000111
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