As options for advanced cardiopulmonary support proliferate, the use of mechanical circulatory support, such as left ventricular assist device as destination therapy (LVAD-DT), is becoming increasingly commonplace. In the current case, a patient was hospitalized for complications related to his LVAD-DT requests "full code" status, despite a clinician's warning that performing chest compressions may damage the LVAD device or vascular structures leading to poor outcome. This discussion explores the ethical and legal considerations regarding a patient request for cardiopulmonary resuscitation when limited options for survival or further treatment are available.
Keywords: end of life; palliative care; patient–physician relationship; withdrawing; withholding.
© Leslie C. Avant et al., 2020; Published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.