Palliative extubation: bioethical reflections on end-of-life care

Abstract

Palliative care is part of a set of approaches aimed at improving quality of life in the face of an incurable and potentially life-threatening disease. In this context, among the therapies for critically ill patients, palliative extubation is performed when all attempts of withdrawing mechanical ventilation have failed, an alternative to avoid prolonging life at any cost. Despite the limited number of studies published on the subject, important biomedical, ethical, religious and legal discussions have emerged, bringing new reflections on the theme. In Brazil, the procedure still faces many obstacles, making it an inspiring subject for bioethical discussions.