Artificial Heart and Assist Devices: Directions, Needs, Costs, Societal and Ethical Issues

摘要

The purpose of the report was to examine the potential need for artificial heart and assist devices, their cost, and certain societal and ethical issues related to their use. The Working Group on Mechanical Circulatory support of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute was charged with developing an overview of the science and technology in mechanical circulatory support systems and advising the Institute on the issues, actions, and policies relevant to the investigational and the anticipated therapeutic use of such devices. Consensus of this group was obtained on areas of concern such as development of mechanical circulatory support systems, estimates of need for long-term mechanical circulatory support systems, cost issues, ethical considerations for clinical investigation, and issues of risk and quality of life, societal and ethical issues. The Working Group proposed recommendations for the use of MCSS and related issues.