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Although the utilization of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices is increasing, ethical dilemmas regarding device deactivation and dying process persist, potentially complicating delivery of optimal and compassionate care at end-of-life (EOL). This review aims to study EOL challenges, left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as a nuanced life support treatment, legal history in the US impacting EOL care, and suggestions to improve EOL care for patients on MCS support.

Recent studies have demonstrated challenging aspects of EOL care for patients on LVAD support: low use of advanced directives, high rates of surrogate decision-making due to lack of patient capacity, difficult decision-making involving LVAD deactivation even with cooperating patients, and high rates of death in the hospital and ICU settings …