Providing Compassionate End of Life Care in the Setting of Mechanical Circulatory Support

摘要: To outline key elements in providing compassionate end-of-life care for pediatric patients with end-stage heart failure on mechanical circulatory support (MCS) such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and ventricular assist devices (VADs). Approximately one five die VAD support, higher mortality associated supported ECMO. While it is considered ethically legally permissible to withdraw MCS, pediatric-specific guidelines regarding indications management MCS are lacking. A multidisciplinary approach early consultation of the palliative team essential all being MCS. Guiding families through requires frequent honest communication by engaging shared decision-making prognosis potential clinical pathways, advanced preparedness planning, identifying meeting patients’/families’ goals care.