Rev Port Pneumol
-
Dysthanasia or any of its synonyms is a consequence of excessive technical science, without any reasonable chance of achieving a therapeutic benefit for the patient. Medical futility is a distressing ethical dilemma of intensive care medicine. ⋯ Not withdrawing or withholding mechanical ventilation in certain circumstances can be considered as a paradigmatic model of medical futility. The understanding of this posture implies a philosophical approach and reflexion of medical practice.