Heart failure and transplantation with Dr Ileana Piņa

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The "ICD conversation": When to implant, when to consider turning it off

Dec 6, 2011 15:05 EST


It's essential to hold a frank discussion to inform potential candidates of the advantages and disadvantages of having an ICD placed and to counsel end-of-life patients about when it may be appropriate to turn it off.





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Your comments
The "ICD conversation": When to implant, when to consider turning it off
# 1 of 1
December 16, 2011 02:25 (EST)
Jean Lehman, R.N.
Thank you so much for candidly addressing end of life care with ICDs.  Too often I am called after multiple shocks to turn off an ICD.  It is quite emotional for all involved.  It is also important for the family to know that when the device is deactivated that their loved one will not die instantly.  Somehow that does not get translated to the family.  Thank you,

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About Dr Ileana Piņa
Dr Piņa is Associate Vice Chief for Academic Affairs, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York.