Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices and End-of-Life Care: An Australian Perspective

Abstract

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (pacemakers and defibrillators) are increasingly common in modern cardiology practice, and health professionals from a variety of specialties will encounter patients with such devices on a frequent basis. This article will focus on the subset of patients who may request, or be appropriate for, device deactivation and discuss the issues surrounding end-of-life decisions, along with the ethical and legal implications of device deactivation.

Keywords: Cardiac electronic implantable devices; End-of-life; Implantable defibrillators; Pacemakers; Palliative care.