commentary.

The author comments on the issue of whether physicians in the U.S. should consent to a patient's request that the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implanted on his chest be disabled. She cites three factors that physicians should consider when faced with the same situation, including the patient's self-determination, the limits of medical technology and the physician's compassion. She maintains the belief that it is ethically justifiable that the LVAD be disabled by the compassionate physician.