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Pre-clinical Model of Cardiac Donation after Circulatory Death
Published on: August 2, 2019
Withdrawing and withholding life-sustaining therapies are not the same
Phillip D Levin1, Charles L Sprung
1Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel. levinp@netvision.net.il
Abstract:
Numerous lines of evidence support the premise that withholding and withdrawing life support measures in the intensive care unit are not the same. These include questionnaires, practical observations and an examination of national medical guidelines. It is important to distinguish between the two end of life options as their outcomes and management are significantly different. Appreciation of these differences allows the provision of accurate information, and facilitates decision making that is compassionate, caring and adherent to the needs of the patient and their family.
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