Ethical Decisions in Discontinuing Mechanical Ventilation

To determine the advisability of discontinuing mechanical, the authors propose a hierarchy of decision making levels that is with a developing ethical and legal consensus. The use of ventilation is not obligatory if it will not contribute to life or alleviating suffering. The patient's right to give consent to, or refusal of, mechanical ventilation should not be and, in discontinuing mechanical ventilation at the patient's, the physician should ensure that the patient has no discomfort. If indications and the patient's wishes are unclear, the physician must the benefits against the burdens of treatment and act in the patient's interests. (KIE abstract)